HC Deb 13 May 1957 vol 570 cc24-5
42. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Health how many of the cars supplied to disabled persons have been replaced with new cars.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Dennis Vosper)

One, apart from those replaced because they were damaged in accidents.

Mr. Collins

Is the Minister aware that many of these cars are now nearly nine years old and are becoming beyond economical repair by badly disabled people? Will he not therefore help these disabled people to continue to earn their living by expressing his willingness to consider claims for replacement in cases where the need for a car is still established?

Mr. Vosper

Yes, I will do that. It was only on 22nd March that I announced that I was beginning special inspections of these cars. These inspections are continuing. One car has been replaced, and I anticipate that more will be replaced in the next few weeks.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Will the Minister look into the question of the amount of repairs that have been done, even to the new model of this vehicle, to see whether improvements could not be made?

Mr. Vosper

Yes, I will do that.

Mr. Chetwynd

Is it now a matter of general policy with the right hon. Gentleman's Department to replace these cars when they are no longer considered to be fit?

Mr. Vosper

The policy I announced was to carry out an inspection of the older cars; as a result of the inspection, the cars are replaced or repaired as the case may be.