§ Mr. Fred Evansasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the rate of the present annual allowance paid to users of invalid tricycles supplied by his Department to offset the tax on petrol; and when it was last fixed;
(2) if he will take steps to provide an immediate increase in the allowance paid to users of invalid tricycles supplied by his Department to offset the tax on petrol, in view of the rise in the tax since the rate was last fixed.
§ Mr. AlisonI would refer the hon. Member to my replies to the hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Alfred Morris) on 30th July, 1971.—[Vol. 822,c. 184–5.]
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§ Mr. Fred Evansasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give immediate consideration to assisting disabled persons to purchase their own cars rather than using invalid tricycles by granting a maintenance allowance comparable to that provided to service pensioners and National Health Service patients who are eligible for cars, but who choose to buy their own vehicles.
§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will withdraw the Department of Health and Social Security circular RM 34889/1 /4903 5m 9/10 TL relating to provision of invalid vehicles and make provision for a wider range of disabled people to apply for and obtain an invalid vehicle; and if he will issue an appropriate circular.
§ Mr. AlisonI would refer the hon. Members to my reply to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South (Mr. Ashley) on 30th July.—[Vol. 822, c.185–6.]
§ Mr. Fred Evansasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has read the policy statement by the Disabled Drivers' Association calling for a more flexible scheme of mobility assistance, a copy of which is in his possession; and if he will now provide suitably adapted small cars for disabled mothers with children under 15 years of age.
§ Mr. AlisonI have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Alfred Morris) on 30th July.—[Vol. 822, c.185.]
§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now make vehicles available to disabled young persons at school so that they may learn to drive before going to work.
§ Mr. AlisonTuition is available to children before the minimum legal driving age of 16 when it is known that the child's disability will make him eligible for a vehicle on attaining that age.
§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will establish a committee of inquiry into the problems of mobility among the disabled.
§ Mr. AlisonThe invalid vehicle service is currently under review.