HC Deb 04 July 1955 vol 543 cc64-5W
55. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Minister of Health how many motor-tricycles have been supplied to invalids since the war; how many were supplied in 1954; the average period between applications for one of the machines and the date of delivery; and, in view of their urgency, whether he is satisfied with the delivery situation.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Since September, 1945, about 12,000 motor and electric tricycles have been supplied, and the number issued during the year ending 31st December, 1954, was 2,736. During the past six months, owing to production problems associated with the introduction of new models, the average delay between application and delivery has been about twenty weeks. The delay is lessening as the output of new machines increases.

58. Mr. Lewis

asked the Minister of Health if he will give an estimate of the cost to his Department of replacing all invalid chairs and cars by two-seater vehicles on the existing models becoming obsolete through wear.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The estimated total cost of replacing the cars at present on issue is about £¾ million and of power propelled tricycles by two-seater vehicles £3½ million. The latter would also involve additional maintenance costs of about £½ million a year.

Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that his present restriction on the supply of motor cars only to war-disabled pensioners is too limited and operates harshly; that motor cars are supplied only to pensioners whose disablement falls into certain strictly defined categories; that there are other types of war-disabled pensioners whose limited powers of locomotion should entitle them to motor cars; and if he will take steps to remove the restriction complained of and extend the supply of motor cars to such other types of war pensioners.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Motor cars are supplied to war pensioners with 100 per cent. disability pension who have suffered the total or almost total loss of the use of both legs. In addition, power propelled tricycles are supplied more widely and borderline cases are always sympathetically considered. I do not feel justified in going further than this.