HC Deb 15 December 1959 vol 615 cc150-1W
Commander Pursey

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the number of National Health Service cars and tricycles, respectively, on issue to ex-Service and industrial disabled men and women in Hull; what is the number of official repairers in the city; and whether he will consider the appointment of another official repairer, with skilled staff, on the east side of the city.

Miss Pitt

Eleven motor cars, 15 powered and 3 hand-propelled tricycles are on issue in Hull to disabled war pensioners and 99 powered and 102 hand-propelled tricycles are on issue to National Health Service patients. There is one authorised repairer. My right hon. and learned Friend is not at present convinced that there is any need for another.

Commander Pursey

asked the Minister of Health, if he will state the number of National Health Service spare cars and tricycles, respectively, in Hull, the numbers kept under cover, the numbers parked on open waste ground and used by children as playthings, and the numbers which are unserviceable and should be sold as scrap.

Miss Pitt

Twenty serviceable powered tricycles but no cars are held as spares in Hull. In accordance with instructions the tricycles are kept under cover except that during the daytime a few may be put outside under waterproof covers. In addition, there are two unserviceable powered tricycles which will be scrapped. I am not aware that any tricycles are stored on open waste ground and used by children as playthings.

Commander Pursey

asked the Minister of Health if he will state where the main storage for spare parts for National Health Service cars and tricycles in Hull is located, the number of repairers in the city authorised to hold spare parts, and the reasons why delays of up to five months occur in obtaining spares from Leeds necessary to keep disabled persons' vehicles in service.

Miss Pitt

A store for spare parts for National Health Service cars or tricycles is not maintained in Hull but the one approved repairer in Hull is required to hold some spare parts. I am unable to trace any recent delay of up to five months in obtaining spares from Leeds or elsewhere.