§ 46. Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the size of the present waiting lists for wheelchairs in each local authority area; and 373W What is the average length of delay before final supply.
§ Mr. AlisonInformation is not available in this form. About 60 per cent. of requests for wheelchairs are for standard models and are satisfied within seven days: a further 35 per cent. call for non-standard variants and are supplied within four weeks. The remainder normally take from eight to 12 weeks to deliver because they are individually tailored and handmade but, in the majority of such cases, it is possible to supply a chair from stock for temporary use. If the hon. Member has in mind a case of particular difficulty I shall be glad to make further inquiries.