§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the future of the wheelchair voucher scheme. [136270]
§ Mr. HuttonWe have asked all wheelchair services to continue to operate a voucher scheme, which offers users a choice of wheelchair to meet their needs. In making the funding for the wheelchair initiatives recurrent from 1 April 2000, we have removed the distinction on what should be spent on National Health Service indoor/outdoor powered wheelchairs and or vouchers. We have asked health authorities and provider services to consult with service users and take a flexible approach to ensuring the money meets local wheelchair needs and priorities.