§ Mr. Higginsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people have given up their three-wheelers and have been with no means of transport whilst waiting for the Government to decide whether mobility allowance is payable to them; and why arrangements were not made for them to retain their three-wheelers until such time as the decision-making process can be speeded up.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisClaims to mobility allowance from people with invalid tricycles are decided as quickly as possible. Moreover, there are standing arrangements to co-ordinate the withdrawal of the vehicle with the award of the allowance in order to mimimise any interruption of personal mobility. In a case about which the hon. Member has corresponded with me recently, however, there was some delay because the independent adjudicating authorities statutorily appointed to determine claims for the allowance required further medical evidence of inability or virtual inability to walk. This is not a matter in which Ministers have any power to intervene.