§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when she will make a decision on the provision of a new, more suitable wheelchair for disabled children and young persons.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisMy Department is currently evaluating four possible designs for improved wheelchairs for disabled children and young persons. It is unlikely that any one design will cater for the very varied needs of this group of disabled people. The designs available at present are at an early stage of development and must, of course, be thoroughly tested mechanically and in use before a decision can be taken whether to manufacture them on a large scale for provision by my Department. This process is likely to336W take between one and two years, depending on the stage reached in each design and the number of design modifications which have to be introduced.