§ Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what improvements are being effected to vehicles issued by her Department to disabled persons following her publication of the NIRA report; and if she will make a statement listing the improvements.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisThe MIRA test programme, along with other work to secure improvements to the invalid three-wheeler, is part of an on-going programme of developments. The following improvements, not necessarily all in consequence of the results of MIRA tests, have been introduced in recent months:
- 1. Strengthening of the chassis frame and the glass reinforced plastic bodywork.
- 2. Fitting of an engine transmission restraint bracket to improve crash performance.
- 3. Improve positioning of demister/choke/ heater controls.
- 4. Re-positioning and fitting of a better battery.
- 5. Improved positioning and modification of the wiring loom.
- 6. Re-routing of the fuel line.
- 7. Modification of the petrol tank mounting.
- 8. Improvement of the position of the gear change lever.
- 9. Fitting of an improved throttle cable.
83 - 10. Improvement of the door-operating mechanism.
- 11. Fitting of a collapsible front mudguard.
- 12. Fitting of an improved form of radio interference suppressor.
Further improvements at present in hand include:
- 1. Fitting of sound isulation material to the interior.
- 2. Modification of the rear engine bracket.
- 3. Incorporation of handlebar and tiller crash pads.
- 4. Incorporation of roll-over structural bars.
- 5. Fitting of a drive belt guard.