§ Mr. Hannamasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action he is taking, in the light of the fact that disabled young people will no longer be eligible for an invalid tricycle, to assist them in travel to places of further and higher education; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gerry FowlerThe mobility allowances, which will be available in appropriate cases instead of the provision of invalid tricycles, are intended to assist disabled persons with their travelling arrangements. In addition, the necessary travelling expenses of students in receipt 669W of mandatory awards are met as part of the award and local authorities have discretion to pay such expenses for other students. If particular travelling difficulties arise for individual disabled students it is open to local authorities to extend their arrangements for the provision of special transport. My Department issued a circular to local education authorities about the introduction of mobility allowances earlier this year and no further action is planned at this stage.