Motor Cars (Hand Control Conversion)

HC Deb 01 July 1963 vol 680 c11

6. Mrs. Slater

asked the Minister of Health when the grant for hand control conversion costs for motor cars was last fixed.

Mr. Braine

The grant is actual cost, subject to a maximum of £70; it was last fixed in 1954.

Mrs. Slater

In view of the substantially increased charges being made at all garages for this kind of conversion, does the joint Parliamentary Secretary not think that the time has come when there should be a revision of the amount of grant which is made to these disabled people, many of whom are among the poorest section of the community and who rely on a conversion such as this for their livelihood?

Mr. Braine

The charges have not increased by all that amount. In 1954 the cost of a hand control conversion ranged from £30 to £70. It now ranges from £44 to £85. Since below the maximum we pay the actual cost, the grants are not static. However, I will certainly undertake to ask my right hon. Friend to reconsider the limit.