§ 84. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Works what steps will be taken to increase the supply of hand and motor-propelled invalid chairs; if he is aware that there is over 100 per cent. increase on prewar prices; and whether he is satisfied that this increase is necessary.
§ Mr. TomlinsonI am not aware of any serious shortage of hand-propelled chairs. In addition to a 40 per cent. increase in output in the second half of the period January-September, 1946, a considerable number surplus to Government requirements have been made available.
As regards motor-propelled chairs, the average monthly output for 1946 as compared with 1945, is 2⅓ times for internal combustion engine propelled and 2½2 times for electrically driven chairs. The rate of production is still increasing for 49W both types. I am aware that this largely increased output from the few firms engaged in this specialised branch of industry does not keep pace with the demand. Everything practicable, however, is being done to assist and encourage further production. While increases in price have occurred, I have no evidence to support the suggestion that the prices have risen by 100 per cent.