HC Deb 19 February 1953 vol 511 cc1441-2
42. Mr. Simmons

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider granting the ageing limbless men of the 1914–18 war, who need a car to maintain mobility, relief from Road Fund taxation and exemption from petrol tax.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Successive Governments have taken the view that the most appropriate way to give help to persons in this category is through the grants administered by the Minister of Pensions. The hon. Member will recall that I announced on 30th April, 1952, that an increase in the grant to pensioners operating cars provided by my hon. Friend was being made in view of the increase in the petrol duty.

Mr. Simmons

Is the Minister aware that the grant, for which all ex-Service men concerned are thankful, applies to men with double amputations? But is he further aware that many men who were in the 1914 war and have single amputations are almost as immobile as younger men with double amputations and they do not come under the free car issue or the petrol concession? Will the Chancellor have a look at that problem before the Budget?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

My right hon. Friend, as I think the House knows, always looks at these problems sympathetically, but I very much doubt whether relief on these lines is the right way to deal with this matter. Any suggestion which conies from the hon. Member, however, will be most sympathetically considered.