§ 3. Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of his recent studies of the problems of the disabled, he will now make a further statement on three-and four-wheeled vehicles for the disabled.
§ Mr. AlisonI have nothing to add at present of the replies I gave to the hon. Members for Rutherglen (Mr. Gregor Mackenzie) and for Birmingham, Lady-wood (Mrs. Fisher) on 2nd and 9th November.—[Vol. 805, c. 272; Vol. 806, c. 39.]
§ Mr. MartenMy hon. Friend will realise that I find that a disappointing answer. Will he assure the House, nevertheless, that he still has under examination the whole question of giving better transportation to disabled drivers and, in particular, making the new three-wheeler a two-seater?
§ Mr. AlisonMy right hon. Friend is pushing ahead with the review of the invalid vehicle service—not without reference to the impetus imparted by my hon. Friend—and an announcement will be made as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that it is the view not only of hon. Members on both sides of the House but of motor manufacturers that one could have a four-wheeler at the same cost as a three-wheeler? Is he aware that the present three-wheeler very much disrupts the family life of disabled people, and will he institute an urgent inquiry into this matter and publish his findings?
§ Mr. AlisonThese factors are being taken into consideration. The hon. Gentleman will note that unit costs, although they may be comparable, are not necessarily the same as total cost.