HC Deb 30 July 1962 vol 664 cc14-5
4. Mr. Godman Irvine

asked the Minister of Health when a decision may now be expected on the supply of a small Ministry car to Mr. Anthony Grant of 15 Fairfield, Herstmonceux, Sussex, first raised in a letter to him from the hon. Member for Rye of 14th June, 1961.

Mr. Braine

A car will be supplied.

Mr. Godman Irvine

Is my hon. Friend aware of the great satisfaction that this decision will give my constituent, who is 60 per cent. disabled and is paralysed? Can he say why it has taken so long to reach a conclusion?

Mr. Braine

The supply of motor cars to severely disabled war pensioners was announced in the House by my right hon. and learned Friend the former Minister of Health in April, 1960, when he indicated that it would take up to two years to review all cases. Mr. Grant's case has been one of a number of marginal cases, and I am glad that we have now been able to make a decision. Clearly, if we had not dealt with the many straightforward cases first it might have taken longer to complete the delivery of these vehicles.

27. Mr. Renton

asked the Minister of Health what decision he has reached about the allocation of a disabled person's car to Mr. A. Ruddy, of Great Staughton, a 100 per cent. disabled war pensioner, whose need for a small car was brought to his attention over a year ago.

Mr. Braine

A car will be provided.

Mr. Renton

Is my hon. Friend aware that this man is a severely disabled war pensioner who has waited for two years for this car, and could he say how soon he may expect to get it?

Mr. Braine

I think I have explained, in answer to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Rye (Mr. Godman Irvine), the reasons for the length of this delay, but my right hon. and learned Friend may be assured that delivery will be made as soon as practicable, although I cannot say precisely when.

Mr. K. Robinson

Is the Minister aware that this is the second case of this kind which has been referred to at Question Time? Is he aware that I myself brought one to the Minister's notice not very long ago, in which there was a similar delay—considerably more than a year? Does he not think there is a case for speeding up the procedure generally in his Department?

Mr. Braine

There is a case, and my right hon. Friend is speeding it up.