HC Deb 20 December 1965 vol 722 cc1680-1
49. Mr. Woodhouse

asked the Minister of Health whether, in his consideration of the desirability of supplying specially adapted mini-cars to disabled National Health Service patients, in place of the single-seater tricycles now issued to them, he will give priority to those patients who also suffer from haemophilia.

Mr. Loughlin

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend cannot determine priorities until he has completed his review.

Mr. Woodhouse

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the number of vehicle drivers who are also haemophiliacs is very small, but that they are peculiarly vulnerable to the defects and inadequacies of the three-wheeler vehicle which is issued to them? Will the hon. Gentleman give sympathetic consideration—I know that he will—to any evidence which I send to him about this matter?

Mr. Loughlin

I will always give sympathetic consideration to evidence sent by the hon. Gentleman, but his campaign itself spotlights our difficulties. He has mentioned one or two categories who ought to have special consideration, but other hon. Members offer other categories. This is a very difficult matter.

Mr. Paget

Will my hon. Friend also give sympathetic consideration to the Bill which I am to introduce to provide him with the powers to do just this?

Mr. Loughlin

I am not sure that I can give a complete assurance on that to my hon. and learned Friend at this stage.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is a very poor answer to say that he cannot help anybody because he cannot help everybody? Will he look at this whole problem?

Mr. Loughlin

I do not say that I cannot help anybody because I cannot help everybody. My right hon. Friend is attempting to help with this vexed problem as far as he can, and immediately the review is completed we shall present proposals to the House.