HC Deb 06 March 1973 vol 852 cc211-2
5. Mr. John Hannam

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will replace existing three-wheeled disabled vehicles with passenger-carrying four-wheeled vehicles, in view of further representations made on the subject.

Mr. Alison

This and other questions relating to the vehicle service will be considered in the light of the report on the mobility needs of disabled people expected later this year.

Mr. Hannam

Does my hon. Friend agree with the conclusions of the survey recently carried out by the Devonian Orthopaedic Association, which showed that of 51 three-wheelers driven by disabled drivers 95 per cent. were found to be unsafe in windy conditions, more than 95 per cent. were found to be dangerously slow on hills and an average of 13 breakdowns occurred in every 4,000 miles? Does not this demonstrate that the three-wheeler is unsafe, unreliable and antisocial and should be changed as a matter of priority?

Mr. Alison

It is not beneficial to the large number of people who use and enjoy using three-wheelers, and have done so for many years, to cast unnecessary doubt upon the reliability or safety of these vehicles. They are safe vehicles which, if regularly maintained and properly looked after, give good service.

Mr. Ewing

Does not the Minister agree that the provision of three-wheeler vehicles is an example of miserable penny-pinching? Is not the answer to stop the manufacture of three-wheeled vehicles and to supply four-wheeled vehices to provide for the travelling companionship which disabled people so vitally need?

Mr. Alison

Some categories of disabled people can secure four-wheelers. There are some categories of disabled people who can drive only three-wheelers with their light front-wheel steering.

Mr. Marten

I appreciate that the Government must await the outcome of the inquiry by Baroness Sharp which was supposed to be due in February. Will the Minister explain why it has been delayed and say whether, when it comes, it will be published?

Mr. Alison

I cannot give a detailed reason for the delay, but no doubt the complexity of the subject which is being investigated has a bearing on it. The report, when available, will be published and my hon. Friend will be able to judge for himself how deeply the matter has been investigated.

Mr. Kinnock

Is not the Minister convinced of the need for the family use of invalid vehicles? Is not the strongest argument for four-wheeled vehicles that disabled people should not be isolated from ordinary family life?

Mr. Alison

There is no doubt a strong case for the family use of invalid vehicles. There is an even stronger case for the National Health Service to concentrate resources on long-stay hospitals, mental illness hospitals and geriatric hospitals.