HC Deb 25 June 1975 vol 894 cc150-1W
Mr. Roderick

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she has any proposals for introducing a voucher system for disabled people to purchase a quantity of petrol at a lower price.

Mr. Alfred Morris

The Government's priority in promoting the mobility of disabled people is the new mobility allowance, which will benefit drivers and non-drivers alike. A petrol voucher system would only benefit drivers and would be expensive to administer.

Mr. Roderick

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the increased cost of fuel, and the fact that the newer tricycles consume approximately twice as much as the old models, she has any further proposals for helping users financially.

Mr. Alfred Morris

The Government's priority in spending on mobility for disabled people is to introduce the new mobility allowance, at the enhanced rate of £5 a week, for drivers and non-drivers alike, with the invalid tricycle as an optional alternative. While the Model 70 tricycle can be run much more economically than the Question suggests, we are preparing some useful advice about petrol saving for incorporation in the Model 70 driver's handbook.