§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the current rate of the running and repair allowance on cars for war disabled persons; when it was last increased; and whether she will now increase it.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisThe current rates are as follows:
- £35 per annum for the first two years after receiving the vehicle;
- £55 per annum for the subsequent two years and
- £65 per annum thereafter.
When a used car is issued, these rates are adjusted so that an additional £40 is paid over the first four years after issue. An additional £25 a year is paid to those who kept their vehicles in garages before April 1972 and have continued to do so.
These rates have applied since January 1965. I have no plans at present for increasing them, but the hon. Member will know that war disablement pensions have increased from £6.75 for 100 per cent. disablement in 1965 to the new rate of £19 a week from next April.
As my right hon. Friend said on 13th November—[Vol. 881, c. 420]—the question of the difficulties caused to disabled drivers by the recent increases in VAT on petrol is being considered urgently.