HC Deb 26 June 1967 vol 749 cc74-5
28. Mr. Winnick

asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made in the review of vehicles for those disabled people needing such cars.

Mr. Snow

I would refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend's statement on 15th February. We are giving effect to the steps announced on that occasion.—[Vol. 741, c. 523–31.]

Mr. Winnick

How much longer is the review to take? Does not my hon. Friend agree that this is a problem crying out for some humanity from both the Ministry of Health and the Treasury?

Mr. Snow

Judging by the mail which I have received from both hon. Members and the public, I should not have thought that the Department could be accused of inhumanity at present. There are 1,600 households in process of receiving benefit from the new arrangements, and we think that the new permissive powers which my right hon. Friend will seek under a Bill, not to be taken this Session and which will depend on the priorities and financial resources, will do much to remedy the situation.

Mrs. Knight

Is the hon. Gentleman now ready to consider the payment of grants for the conversion of cars to hand controls for war disabled pensioners, remembering that a man who has lost both legs in war has to pay £25 for such conversion?

Mr. Snow

The hon. Lady may be under a misapprehension here. Although there are many variations, financial provision of this kind is generally available. I shall write to her to give the details.

Mr. Paget

Does my hon. Friend recall that during the last Session I promoted a Bill to give him just the powers which are wanted here but his Department blocked it? Does not he realise that to condemn disabled people to going only in single-seaters without companions is both dangerous and very hard?

Mr. Snow

The Measure to which my hon. and learned Friend refers was considered purely on drafting grounds not to be suitable. I have already said that it is our intention to introduce a general Measure which will take care of the point which he raises.

Sir R. Cary

Does what the hon. Gentleman has said about new regulations mean that we shall not have the necessary new provisions until somewhere in the middle of the next Session?

Mr. Snow

We are already considering these matters. As and when opportunity permits, we shall introduce the Measure, and I do not think that there will be a great delay.