§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what would be the approximate cost of providing powered outdoor wheelchairs for all boys suffering from muscular dystrophy;
(2) what representations he has received regarding the provision of powered outdoor wheelchairs for boys suffering from muscular dystrophy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorMost boys with muscular dystrophy would probably need a wheelchair for certain periods of their life. On the best information available, and depending on the type of wheelchair provided, the approximate cost may be in the region of £¼ million—£1½ million. We have received no representations on this issue.
§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what is the latest estimate of the additional cost of providing a powered wheelchair that could be used outside and inside instead of just inside;
(2) how many powered wheelchairs are currently on issue through the wheelchair service; and what is the estimated number of those using powered indoor wheelchairs who would benefit from having a powered wheelchair that could also be used outside;
(3) which aspects of wheelchair provision are now being handled by the regions and which remain the responsibility of the Disablement Services Authority.
§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the annual amount allocated to the Disablement Services Authority; and what proportion of this amount is available for the improvement of appliances, and in particular, for improved wheelchairs.
§ Mr. MellorThese are matters for the Disablement Services Authority, to which the right hon. Member should address questions.
§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the annual expenditure in each of the last five years on wheelchair provision; what has been the percentage increase each year; and what has been the percentage annual increase in expenditure on all health provision.
§ Mr. MellorThe annual expenditure in each of the last five financial years on wheelchairs provision plus the percentage increases is as follows:606W
Financial year £ Per cent. 1983–84 22,210,329 — 1984–85 24,592,517 10.72 1985–86 25,863,573 5.16 1986–87 27,265,645 5.42 1987–88 29,413,356 7.87 National Health Service gross expenditure percentage annual increase on all health provision in England is as follows:
Cash terms Real terms 1983–84 5.9 1.2 1984–85 7.4 2.8 1985–86 5.8 -0.2 1986–87 7.6 4.0 1987–88 9.9 4.6
§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultation there has been between his Department and the Disablement Services Authority regarding the provision of powered outdoor wheelchairs.
§ Mr. MellorFollowing a recommendation in the McColl report that powered occupant-controlled outdoor wheelchairs should be supplied by the wheelchair service, the DSA has decided to undertake a 12-month pilot study to gain information and experience in the supply of powered indoor/outdoor wheelchairs. Consultation between the Department and the DSA has not been appropriate since this is a matter for the authority.