§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for. Social Services if he is satisfied with the supply situation in respect of spare parts for invalid tricycles; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisOver 2,000 spare parts for these vehicles are stocked by my Department. As at any other time, most of these parts are readily available from stock. Occasionally, and as happens generally in the motor trade, some shortages occur for a variety of reasons. Exhaust parts for the model 70 have been a particular problem. But, as I am informing my hon. Friend the Member for Dunbartonshire, Central (Mr. McCartney) in my reply to his Question today, the supply situation in respect of these parts has much improved. A few other parts are at present in short supply and appropriate remedial action has been taken. My Department is currently having discussions with its suppliers to ensure the continuing availability of parts during the phasing-out period for the three-wheeler.
§ Mr. McCartneyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps have been taken to remedy the shortage of spare parts for the exhaust system of the model 70 provided by his Department.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisMy Department has taken on additional suppliers of these components and, whilst some delays have been experienced by the firms concerned in starting production, I am pleased to tell my hon. Friend that all outstanding orders have been cleared. Further deliveries have been promised in quantities which should be sufficient to ensure that170W these parts can in future be supplied on demand from stock, as is the case with most spare parts supplied by my Department. It is the intention, in due course, to provide each approved repairer of these vehicles with a float stock of these parts.