§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he accepts the figures given by the Disabled Drivers Action Group on the relative costs of invalid vehicles provided by his Department and adapted or modified production line vehicles; whether he proposes to modify his Department's policy on vehicles for the disabled in the light of these figures; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephNo, but I am considering them with interest. Whatever the view I were to take of them, changes of the service must await the outcome of Lady Sharp's inquiry. I expect her report later this year.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many technical experts, inventors and development experts in the production of vehicles for the disabled were consulted by Lady Sharp; how many were invited to give practical demonstrations of their expertise and equipment; if the names of these witnesses will be published; and if be will make a statement;
(2) How many types of modifications for disabled people on production cars were shown to Lady Sharp by his Department in the course of her inquiry; on how many types of vehicles these adaptations were shown; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephAlthough all the resources of my Department are at her disposal, Lady Sharp is nevertheless conducting an independent inquiry and is making whatever arrangements she sees fit to acquaint herself with opinions and 339W facts, including details of equipment, relevant to her task.