HC Deb 02 December 1975 vol 901 cc550-1W
Mr. Tomlinson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the bed-population ratio in Rugby hospitals; and what is the national average.

Dr. Owen

The following table shows the comparison by major specialties.

approved repairer of invalid vehicle fails to provide either an adequate level of service or a sufficiently high standard of workmanship; if action has been taken in recent cases; and if she will make a statement about any such cases.

Mr. Alfred Morris

The Department demands from approved repairers a high standard of service, workmanship and patient care. Any lapse is dealt with by reprimand or the withholding of payment, as appropriate, and by a period of closer surveillance. Persistent failure results in termination of appointment. This ultimate step has had to be taken in one instance quite recently and is currently being contemplated in another.

Mr. George Rodgers

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action she is taking to involve disabled people and their organisations in her Department's consideration of the effectiveness of its arrangements for the repair and maintenance of invalid vehicles; what other interests are involved in any consultations she has held or will be arranging; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Alfred Morris

I am in the process of establishing, under the auspices of the Department, a liaison group representative of the Department's approved repairers, the Central Council for the Disabled, the Joint Committee on Mobility for the Disabled, the Disabled Drivers' Motor Club and the Disabled Drivers' Association.

I am grateful to all of these bodies for having readily agreed to join in the work of the group.

With the help of the liaison group, I am hoping to secure further improvements in our services to disabled drivers and also to ensure that their needs, views and problems can be more fully and constructively considered. I am indebted to the Automobile Association for indicating its willingness to be associated with the Department in this endeavour.