§ 52. Mr. Martenasked the Minister of Health how many disabled people are entitled to invalid vehicles; how many have now been issued; what is the capital cost of those which have been issued; and what is the annual maintenance cost.
§ Mr. Snow:The number of cars and powered tricycles on issue at 30th September, 1967, was 22,924. The total capital cost is not readily available but the cost in 1966–67 was£1,640,139. Maintenance expenditure in the same year was£1,626,544. Many disabled persons entitled under present rules have received grants in respect of their own cars. The number of disabled persons who might be eligible if they applied is not known.
§ 53. Mr. Martenasked the Minister of Health what is the average cost of an invalid tricycle; what are its annual maintenance costs; how many are produced each year, in regional basis; and if 4W the establishment of supplies committees on a regional basis; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. K. Robinson:Comments on my memorandum from hospital authorities have all been considered and a further memorandum is about to be issued. This asks regional hospital boards to set up regional supplies committees and to submit to me their plans for the organisation of supplies work in their regions.