HC Deb 13 March 1972 vol 833 c7
8. Mr. Probert

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will agree to the issuing of vehicles for those with some, though severely limited, walking ability if they are needed to take the occupants to a course of training to become sufficiently efficient to take on a job.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

This matter will fall within the ambit of the inquiry into the needs of those who are immobilised by severe disablement which was announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services on 21st February.

Mr. Probert

Does the Minister of State agree that the present ruling is grossly unfair, particularly in the case which is now before him concerning a young man who has suffered the amputation of a leg and arm on the same side of the body who is anxious to equip himself to take a full part in society by becoming fully employed and yet is debarred from assistance because of a bureaucratic ruling that he is mobile? How does this bureaucratic ruling envisage this young man, for example, getting on or off a bus or taking short walks without acute discomfort? Knowing the hon. Gentleman's sympathy for this type of person, may I ask him to have another sympathetic look at the matter?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for the way he put his question. He refers to a letter which he wrote to me about a constituent in Penrhiwceiber on 6th March. I shall be sending him a reply within the next few days.