§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what developments have taken place regarding the use of a Model 28B wheelchair for use outdoors; if any trials have been com ducted; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlisonThe Model 28B was first introduced in 1969 and about 2,350 are now on issue. It was designed to accommodate very severely disabled people who have to be pushed outdoors by attendants whose strength is insufficient to manage a non-powered pushchair in the local circumstances. The chair has proved beneficial for this purpose. Some improvements have already been made and further modifications of potential benefit to a minority of users, e.g., provision of a variety of seat-widths and detachable armrests, are under consideration.