HC Deb 09 December 1975 vol 902 cc217-8
6. Mr. Hannon

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations she has recently received on the invalid three-wheel carriage.

The Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security (Mr. Alfred Morris)

On 25th November, I met officers and other members of the Disabled Drivers' Association and they presented their views to me. Four representatives of the All-Party Disablement Group in this House, including the hon. Gentleman, also attended the meeting. The members of the Disabled Drivers' Association pressed their case for a car as an alternative to an invalid tricycle. They welcomed the principle of the mobility allowance, extending help to drivers and non-drivers alike, but explained very fully their reasons for seeking a number of improvements in the scheme.

Mr. Hannam

Is the Minister aware of the sadness felt by the disabled drivers at the death of Graham Hill, who was a leading campaigner for the replacement of the invalid tricycle by a four-wheeled vehicle? In view of Government answers that show that four-wheeled cars are no more expensive to provide than tricycles, but that the latter are four times as dangerous—being involved in four times as many accidents—will he now restate his own contention and that of the Prime Minister when they were in opposition, namely, that these outdated mechanised wheelchairs should be replaced by four-wheeled vehicles? Will he cease to hold this totally indefensible position?

Mr. Morris

There will be hon. Members on both sides who will join the hon. Gentleman in paying tribute to the memory of Graham Hill. He was frequently in touch with me, as he was with the officers and members of the All-Party Disablement Group. The present Government have gone much further than any previous one in offering an alternative to the tricycle. I made a statement on the latest accident figures on 29th October 1975. I have arranged for the implications of these figures to be studied by my Department, jointly with experts of the Department of the Environment, in connection with our ongoing consideration of mobility policy for the disabled. I am well aware of the hon. Member's deep interest in these matters and will study carefully what he has said.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Beith. Question No. 7.

Mr. Raphael Tuck

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Was it requested that Question No. 6 be linked with Question No. 30?

Mr. Speaker

No.