§ 21. Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why her Department ordered a new batch of three-wheel cars for disabled drivers on 26th Fabruary 1974.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisAs the hon. Member is aware, the order was placed by the previous administration. The Government are now in consultation with interested organisations about the whole future of the vehicle service for disabled people and we shall announce our conclusions as soon as possible.
§ 24. Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will make a statement on the provision of powered wheelchairs by her Department suitable for use on footways.
§ 25. Mr. Clemitsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of the provisions of Section 20 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 allowing the use of footways by powered invalid carriages, what progress is being made in the provision of such carriages by the Department in suitable cases.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisPowered outdoor chairs for control by attendants are provided by my Department in suitable cases. Extension of provision to include powered chairs for occupant control must depend on safety factors which are the subject of research as well as on available resources.
§ 54. Mr. Doigasked the Secretary of State for the Social Services what progress she has made in consultations with representatives of disabled people on petrol allowances for invalid vehicles.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisThis is one of the matters arising from Lady Sharp's report which is the subject of on-going consultations with interested bodies. We have received a number of useful contributions from the organisations consulted. There is no intention to take decisions on any particular aspect until the consultations are concluded.