§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress his Department is making into the development of a suitable four-wheeled alternative to the invalid tricycle.
§ Mr. EnnalsMy Department is not engaged in developing such a vehicle.
§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of the fact that the four-wheeled vehicles currently being offered to disabled ex-Servicemen are often either too small or incapable of proper adaptation, he will discuss possible alternatives with the motor car manufacturers.
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§ Mr. EnnalsDisabled ex-Service men are offered a choice between a lower-priced production motor car, a private car allowance as a contribution towards the cost of running a different kind of car, or an invalid three-wheeler. Since the beginning of this year the mobility allowance has been an alternative for those eligible for it. The issued cars are adapted when possible to enable the ex-Service men to drive themselves; but if this is not feasible they are allowed to get somebody else to drive them. When new cars comparable in price to the existing range come on the market we consider the possibility of issuing them, and discuss it as necessary with the motor manufacturer concerned, but we are not considering any general departure from the present arrangements.