HC Deb 06 February 1967 vol 740 cc1109-10
40. Mr. Luard

asked the Minister of Health whether, in the light of his recent review, he will now arrange for the provision to disabled drivers of suitably adapted small cars in place of single-seater vehicles.

Mr. Snow

I must ask my hon. Friend to await my right hon. Friend's statement about his review of our vehicle provisions which he will make in the very near future.

Mr. Luard

Could the Minister give the assurance that in reaching a decision on this review he will very carefully bear in mind the strong evidence of the difficulties which many people are suffering at present from the present inadequate vehicle, particularly the serious traffic dangers arising in some circumstances?

Mr. Snow

Yes. My right hon. Friend has received representations from many sources, and has taken these into account—representations both from Members of the House and from people outside. The point about danger is being very actively considered.

Mr. Hall-Davis

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that under the present Regulations a disabled mother with a disabled child under the age of 16 is denied a car and is, therefore, unable to take her disabled child out, and that the Regulations thereby impose a further handicap upon someone already in a very sad situation?

Mr. Snow

Yes. I read about this case. I ask the hon. Gentleman to await my right hon. Friend's statement.

Mr. Edwin Wainwright

Will my hon. Friend consider this matter with a greater sense of urgency? Does he realise that Members have been pestering about cases of this kind for years and years? Previous Governments have done nothing and the present Government are not doing too much. Will he make certain that these poor individuals are not allowed to go out on their own at risk of their cars breaking down anywhere?

Mr. Snow

Yes. I am grateful to my hon. Friend for pointing out that this has been a subject of agitation in this House for many years. I have myself participated in it. All I can say is that it would have been happier if we had been left with better statistical information by our predecessors.

Mrs. Knight

Will the hon. Gentleman assure the House that he will stop dragging his feet and will take humane and just action, in particular, in permitting contributions towards the cost of converting to hand control cars for disabled ex-Service men?

Mr. Snow

Yes. I never drag my feet.