HC Deb 04 July 1966 vol 731 cc12-3
29. Mr. Tinn

asked the Minister of Health whether he will reconsider his previous decisions and provide suitably converted small cars for disabled drivers instead of the single-seater vehicles at present provided.

Mr. Loughlin

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Members for Liverpool, Garston (Mr. Fortescue) and Suttton and Cheam (Mr. Sharples) on 27th June.

Mr. Tinn

Is my hon. Friend aware that many of us on both sides of the House were hoping for a change and will maintain that attitude? Bearing in mind my hon. Friend's Written Answer to me on 29th June, it would appear that the annual average cost of this change would be a mere £5 million a year for the first eight years and that this would completely transform and enhance the usefulness of these vehicles to the disabled.

Mr. Loughlin

My hon. Friend will recollect that, in previous Answers, I have clearly indicated that a review is taking place and that we are as concerned about relieving distress and suffering as anyone else in the House. I also pointed out that it would be done as quickly as possible.

Sir R. Cary

Would it not be better nationally to aim at replacing all these single-seater vehicles with mini-cars?

Mr. Loughlin

That may well be so and, indeed, this question is part of the review taking place. While I would not make promises about this, the House should recognise that, if we took such a course, there would be a substantially increased number of applications and that it would cost a lot of money.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

My hon. Friend has said that the cost would be relatively small. If hon. Members on both sides are in favour, if my hon. Friend is in favour and if the cost is relatively small, what is holding it up?

Mr. Loughlin

The simple answer is that the cost is not relatively small.