HC Deb 17 January 1968 vol 756 cc1766-7
22. Mr. Marten

asked the Minister of Transport if she will set up a joint working party with the Minister of Health to consider improvements for vehicles for disabled drivers.

Mr. Carmichael

The machinery for considering improvement of vehicles for disabled drivers is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. We will help in any way we can.

Mr. Marten

On the point of road safety, does the Minister seriously believe that these three-wheelers are the safest sort of vehicles for these disabled people, who already have enough to bear? Would he not go and drive one of these vehicles himself and then look at this matter again?

Mr. Carmichael

The Ministry has examined these vehicles and passed them on grounds of construction, use and safety. As a matter of personal interest, I would be only too pleased to take up the hon. Member's offer to drive one of these vehicles, on which I would certainly give an opinion.

Mr. Fortescue

Would the Minister agree that these vehicles are particularly unsuitable for haemophiliacs because of the very large number of protruding items within the very small space within the vehicle? If haemophiliacs knock themselves against these protuberances, they are liable to spend long periods in hospital. Will the hon. Gentleman look into this specific point?

Mr. Carmichael

As I have said, the design of these vehicles is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health, who laid down a detailed specification for the invalid tricycle, which, in their view, is suitable for the particular illnesses and disabilities of the patients. Our advice to the Ministry of Health is purely advisory on any technical matters on which we feel that we are able to help.