HC Deb 04 November 1968 vol 772 c470
21. Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many of the 1,600 households estimated to be eligible to receive disabled drivers' cars under the categories announced on 15th February, 1967, have applied for them and received them.

Mr. Snow

205 applications have been received, of which 143 have been accepted.

Mr. Marten

Does not this show that the basis of the calculations upon which the Ministry originally made these Regulations need revising, and that if the categories were widened many more people, such as haemophiliacs, could apply for these extremely useful vehicles?

Mr. Snow

I very much appreciate the efforts made by the hon. Member to visit the establishment responsible for the distribution of these vehicles. His efforts were much appreciated. As to our estimate, given last year, the figures have to be revised the whole time. When the original figures were given for the 1964 estimate they turned out to be an underestimate. We think that the position may not be resolved really efficiently until we get some of the information that we expect to receive from the general survey of the disabled.

Lord Balniel

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that there is something seriously wrong when so few of the people entitled to disabled drivers' cars are receiving them? Would he re-examine once again the whole question of assessment?

Mr. Snow

Yes, this is a continuing process, but the noble Lord should know that there is the factor of running costs for a car versus those for a tricycle. This is a factor; I would not over-emphasise it, but we cannot be certain of our facts one way or another until we get the results of the survey.