§ Mr. Arthur Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress has now been made in the discussions following the publication of the Sharp Report; and when she expects these discussions to be concluded.
§ Dr. OwenWe have received useful comments from a number of organizations, but I cannot yet say when the discussions are likely to be concluded.
Mr. Ioan Evansasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will immediately cease the withdrawal of adapted cars from disabled drivers and their replacement by three-wheelers when family circumstances change, in view of the hardship this can cause and the greater cost of a three-wheeler.
§ Dr. OwenAll the invalid vehicle service arrangements are under review and we do not propose to make any interim changes pending the outcome of our general consideration.
Mr. Ioan Evansasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the maximum amount that her Department will spend on one of its range of cars issued to disabled drivers in extra adaptations to enable the person or persons to whom it is issued to use it;
(2) whether her Department, when further adaptations are required to a car issued to a disabled driver which exceed the cost limit, allows the recipient to meet 503W the balance himself or from another source.
§ Dr. OwenCost is only one factor; others taken into account are the medically assessed needs of the individual and the technical acceptability and feasibility of the adaptations proposed, and the degree of certainty that they will solve the particular problem. There is no fixed cost limit but adaptations are confined to the limited range of cars we provide. There are no arrangements for the user to contribute to the cost, and for the relatively very few whom we are unable to help the alternative benefits at present available are a three-wheeler or a quarterly allowance to help with the running of the applicant's own car.
The whole question of the range of vehicles to be provided and the extent to which they might be adapted to suit individuals is one of the aspects of the invalid vehicle service my right hon. Friend will be reviewing in the light of Lady Sharp's report and her consultations with the disabled.
Mr. Fred Evansasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the estimated annual cost of allowing disabled mothers with small children to have a small adapted car instead of a three-wheeler;
(2) what is the estimated annual cost of the removal of the requirement that disabled mothers must be in sole charge of small children to qualify for a small adapted car.
§ Dr. OwenSince 1972 disabled parents who are eligible for a three-wheeler have been eligible for a car instead, if they are in sole charge of a young child for a substantial portion of the day. In the year ended 30th April 1974, 430 people in this category were provided with cars at an approximate cost to my Department of £380,000 excluding staff costs. The more general provision of cars for other groups as well as disabled parents is a matter my right hon. Friend is considering in the fight of Lady Sharp's report and her consultations with bodies representing the disabled.