§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the number of disabled persons, including severely disabled children, who are still unable to benefit from the provisions of Section 20 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970, because their invalid carriages are unsuitable for outdoor use; what action he is taking to reduce the number; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlisonNo powered wheelchair complying with the statutory requirements and suitable for issue for general use with safety outdoors is yet available. I am unable to say how many people might benefit from Section 20 if such a vehicle were developed.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many of the councils and committees named in Sections 9 to 14 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970, now include one or more members who are chronically sick or disabled or have experience of work among and of the needs of the chronically sick and disabled; if he will give detailed information on the implementation of Sections 9 to 14 of the Act; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. AlisonResponsibility for appointments to the bodies covered by Sections 10, 13 and 14 of the Act lies respectively with my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment, for Scotland, for Employment and for Trade and Industry, and the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications. I understand, however, that in all cases the terms of the Sections are being complied with. In each case the committee or council covered by Sections 9, 11 and 12 includes a person of the type referred to in the relevant Section.