§ Mr. Arnold Shawasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to enable disabled people to be provided with suitable vehicles at a cost they can afford.
§ Mr. EnnalsMy hon. Friend the Under-Secretary with responsibility for the disabled and I have been having discussions with the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation and with a number of individuals in the voluntary sector, including people with industrial, financial and other relevant interests, about the possibility of the voluntary sector in partnership with the Government providing for the purchase, conversion and, if necessary, the running of500W vehicles by disabled people. I have received a very encouraging response and discussions are continuing. I welcome this development and have every hope that it will lead to a scheme which will be of major value to disabled people. I hope that a more detailed announcement can be made before long. I am keeping in touch with my right hon. Friends about the application of any arrangements which result from these discussions in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.