Mr. FredEvans asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average waiting time for the issue of an electric wheelchair from her Department's appliance centre at Ealing.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisStandard attendant-controlled power-assisted pushchairs are available from stock and can be issued as soon as suitable storage and an electrical charging point have been arranged. The supply of indoor electrically-propelled chairs is at present subject to a delay of about 15 weeks because of production difficulties. Ealing Appliance Centre is in the same position as others; waiting lists are centrally controlled.
Mr. Fred Evansasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many extra medical officers would be required at her Department's offices in Blackpool to cater for the extension of the invalid vehicle service as proposed by Lady Sharp; if she has initiated the training of extra officers in advance of publishing her detailed proposals for the service in order that the administrative delays will be minimised; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisEstimates of any additional staff required could only be made in the light of decisions on the future of the vehicle service, about which consultations with organisations representing the disabled are proceeding. There can be no question of initiating training in advance of those decisions.
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§ Mr. Hall-Davisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when she anticipates the component required to repair the invalid vehicle used by Mrs. Ross, 35 Hampsfell Drive, Morecambe, will be available.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisThe invalid three-wheeler on issue to Mrs. Ross was returned to her last week.