HC Deb 22 October 1976 vol 917 cc576-7W
Mr. Michael McGuire

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether it was intended, under the mobility allowance scheme, that double leg amputees who surrendered their invalid three-wheelers in order to claim the mobility allowance would have to have a medical examination to determine whether or not they qualified to receive it; and if he will make a statement about the procedure to be followed in such cases described above.

Mr. Alfred Morris

The medical criteria for mobility allowance are not identical to those under the former invalid vehicle service. The new scheme incorporates, however, for the first time ever, a statutory appeals procedure. As to the future, we have announced that we propose to introduce legislation to enable existing beneficiaries under the former scheme to transfer automatically to mobility allowance if they wish to do so. Once this comes into effect further medical examinations will not be required in such cases.