§ Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people in Scotland will benefit as a result of the review of the invalid vehicle service announced on 21st February; and if he will categorise the people who will qualify under the review and state the administrative arrangements that are being undertaken to acquaint them with the review.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellIt is very difficult to forceast with any accuracy how many people will be affected by the changes announced on 21st February as this will depend upon the number of people who apply, the result of medical examinations to assess eligibility and the number who opt for a cash allowance instead of a vehicle. But on the broad assumptions I have made I would expect the figure to be something up to 2,000.
The categories of eligibility adjusted to take account of the changes are:
- (1) those with both legs amputated, one or both of the amputations being above or through the knee;
- (2) those with a defect of the loco-meter system or with a severe chronic heart or lung condition who are to all intents and purposes unable to walk;
- (3) those slightly less severely disabled with very limited walking ability who because of their disability need personal transport to get to and from work. (Work in this context means full-time or almost full-time remunerative employment.)
Housewives whose walking ability is sufficiently restricted to bring them within the third category above may be provided with a vehicle or the cash allowance if transport is necessary to enable them to carry out their duties as a housewife, including shopping.
348WLeaflets explaining the new arrangements will be sent to health service authorities and to all users of three-wheelers.