§ 66. Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what further progress he has made towards arrangements for disabled drivers to buy their own cars.
§ 68. Mr. Lawrenceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will take steps to establish a special fund to help disabled drivers to buy their own cars.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisI refer the hon. Members to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Gravesend (Mr. Oven-den) on 21st November.—[Vol. 939, c463.]
§ Mr. O'Halloranasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the progress that has been made with the review of special vehicles to replace the invalid tricycles; and when he expects to make a further statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisI refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my hon. Friend
670W
Financial Year England Wales Maidstone 1974–75 … … … … … … 648,000 29,000 4,189 1975–76 … … … … … … 2,284,000 150,000 9,553 1976–77 … … … … … … 2,770,000 192,000 10,750 Total … … … … … … 5,702,000 371,000 24,492 the Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Rooker) on 11th November.—[Vol. 938, c.280.]
§ 78. Mr. O'Halloranasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to assist disabled people who have qualified for a vehicle since the supply of invalid tricycles has been discontinued; and if such disabled people will qualify for one of the new vehicles when they are introduced.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisThe form of help now provided for successful new applicants is the cash mobility allowance, which was increased last week to £7 a week and is to be further increased next year. There are no plans for the Government themselves to supply new vehicles to beneficiaries under the mobility allowance scheme, but my right hon. Friend and I have been continuing our discussions on ways of helping disabled people to get maximum value for money if they use the allowance to obtain vehicles. There will be a further statement to the House as soon as possible.