HC Deb 09 March 1970 vol 797 cc881-2
1 and 16. Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he will now make the necessary regulations to allow the new three-wheeler vehicles for disabled to carry a passenger;

(2) if he will now extend the categories of disabled to whom four-wheel vehicles can be issued.

17. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will now make a statement about the provision of two-seater of four-seater vehicles for the disabled.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Department of Health and Social Security (Dr. John Dunwoody)

I cannot at present add to the answer I gave in reply to a supplementary question from the hon. Member for Somerset, North (Mr. Dean) on 15th December, 1969.—[Vol. 793, c. 904.]

Mr. Marten

On the first of my two Questions, does not the Minister agree that companionship is one of the most important things for a disabled driver? As the new three-wheeler is quite capable of taking a passenger and also of stowing the wheelchair, why cannot he arrange this?

On the second of my Questions, cannot the Minister make a modest start in giving an option to the 100 or so severe haemophilic cases, which would cost only about £3,000 over and above the cost of providing three-wheelers?

Dr. Dunwoody

I can assure the hon. Member that the two points that he has raised, about companionship and an extension of the vehicle service to certain groups, are among those taken into consideration in the review that I announced on 15th December.