HC Deb 13 February 1961 vol 634 cc926-7
35. Mr. Prentice

asked the Minister of Health what would be the cost of providing motor cars for industrially-disabled persons similar to those provided for the war disabled.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Edith Pitt)

My right hon. Friend regrets he cannot estimate this.

Mr. Prentice

Will the hon. Lady or her right hon. Friend look into the matter to see whether something can be done to bring the provisions for industrial casualties into line with those covering war casualties? Has it not been a principle of the Government's policy to maintain the benefits for the industrially disabled in line with those for the war disabled? Is there any reason, except perhaps the mean reason of economy, to make a distinction in respect of these vehicles?

Miss Pitt

For patients dealt with under the National Health Service, there is no distinction between the various categories, whether they are cases of industrial injuries or civil injuries, or any other case. If the hon. Member is arguing that the industrially injured should have priority, I think that there might be similar arguments for other groups covered by the National Health Service.