§ Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is her policy towards the conclusions about the lack of safety of invalid tricycles contained in the reports of the Cranfield Institute of Technology—July 1973—the Goff Report —August 1973—the Sharp Report—March 1974—and the Motor Industry Research Association—August 1973.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisThe various characteristics of the invalid three-wheeler noted in these reports were among the factors taken into account in the Government's decision on Lady Sharp's report. My continuing aim is that these vehicles should satisfy all relevant contemporary construction and use regulations, and that such other improvements should be made as are feasible having regard to the inherent characteristics of a vehicle solely intended to provide independent mobility for severely disabled people. The the hon. Gentleman knows, the invalid three-wheeler has to be seen as an elaborate prosthesis rather than as a motor car.
§ Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will now publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the estimates of accident involvement in invalid tricycles compared with four-wheeled cars for the year October 1972 to September 1973.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisFollowing are the figures:
Number of vehicles on issue at 30th September 1973 Number of incidents reported October 1972 to September 1973 Cars 8,133 1,577 Three-wheelers 19,274* 4,914 * Excluding a reserve fleet of about 2,300.