§ 7. Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is now in a position to make a statement on her proposals on the Sharp Report.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security (Mr. Alfred Morris)As the hon. Member knows, the Government are now considering the views of a wide range of interested organisations on the recommendations in the report. I recognise the concern over this matter and will make an announcement as soon as possible.
§ Mr. MartenCan the Minister say when the consultations with the outside bodies will be concluded and when he estimates that he is likely to make a statement? Will it be before we rise for the recess, and shall we get a chance to debate the Government's findings before they arrive at a conclusion?
§ Mr. MorrisI am most grateful to the hon. Member for conveying his personal views on the recommendations in the report. It is difficult to say exactly when we shall be in a position to announce conclusions on our consultations with a wide range of organisations. I shall do so at the earliest possible date with the point made by the hon. Member very much in mind.
Mr. Ioan EvansDoes my hon. Friend recognise that the needs of the disabled passenger as well as those of the disabled driver should be borne in mind? They should be dealt with identically in the review, because these people are having difficulty getting about since they cannot use public transport.
§ Mr. MorrisI am grateful to my hon. Friend for his observations. There are problems not only of methods and aims but of priority as between the disabled driver and the disabled passenger. I shall certainly bear very much in mind the point made by my hon. Friend.