§ Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now make a further statement regarding a replacement vehicle for the invalid tricycle.
§ Mr. Parkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has as yet identified a possible successor vehicle to the invalid tricycle; and what steps he has taken up to the present date.
§ Mr. Montgomeryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether his Department is at present looking at an alternative vehicle to the tricycle.
826Wtary benefit, including rent, (b) the long-term rate, including rent, (d) sickness benefit and (e) retirement pension for the single house-holder and a married couple as a percentage of net average income for each year since 1965.
§ Mr. DeakinsInformation is not available on which to answer the Question in relation to net income. The following table sets out the information in relation to net earnings:
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisWhile the mobility allowance is now the main mobility benefit for new claimants, my right hon. Friend and I are keeping in touch with development projects which may lead to a better choice of vehicles becoming commercially available to them.
For the drivers of tricycles issued under the pre-1976 vehicle scheme we expect to be able to provide replacements, as the tricycles wear out, at least up to 1981. They will also have the alternative choice of the mobility allowance regardless of age limit and without further medical test. As the phasing-out of the tricycles proceeds, we shall be looking on home and world markets for another specialised vehicle for the drivers who then 827W need one. My right hon. Friend will shortly be writing to give this assurance to all the disabled people concerned.