§ 38. Mr. Boardmanasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he is satisfied with the administrative arrangements for dealing with applications for motor vehicles by disabled persons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WoodThe provision of motor vehicles for the disabled is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. He has asked me to say that these arrangements are reviewed from time to time and that he is satisfied they work fairly and efficiently.
§ Mr. BoardmanI am grateful to the Minister for answering on behalf of the Minister of Health, but may I ask him to ask his right hon. Friend to put an end to the practice whereby, on receipt of an application from a disabled person, an inspector is sent to the home of the applicant to inquire into the siting of the garage before a decision is made? This applies in clear-cut cases where people are outside the regulations. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, apart from the incredibly stupid waste of manpower and money involved, it cruelly raises hope when no hope exists?
§ Mr. WoodI shall see that that consideration is brought to the attention of my right hon. Friend. Clearly inquiries have to be made about the facilities to be provided, but I have no doubt that my right hon. Friend will take account of the proper order in which these inquiries should be made.