§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has issued to health authorities to ensure that wheelchair voucher users are made aware of alternative providers of wheelchairs outside the NHS. [R] [103095]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 20 December 1999]: Health Service Guidance (96) 53 advised health authorities, National Health Service trusts and wheelchair service managers to negotiate arrangements with local wheelchair suppliers who were willing to participate in the voucher scheme. It proposed that minimum standards should reflect the supplier's ability to offer a choice of products, have demonstration stock, local showroom and repair capability, including adequate stocks of locally held spare parts. Membership of a trade association with minimum entry conditions which cover the above criteria would serve as an adequate indication of acceptability.
§ Mr. Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when the York Economic Consortium Review of the wheelchair voucher scheme will be published; and if he will make a statement. [103662]
§ Mr. HuttonWe are currently considering the report's recommendations and hope to announce my response in the near future.