§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if approved repairers hold stocks of batteries for electric wheelchairs;
(2) what procedure is involved in obtaining a new battery for an electric wheelchair;
(3) what is the average delay in providing a new battery for an electric wheelchair; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EnnalsMy hon. Friend the Under-Secretary with responsibility for the disabled met representatives of the all-party Disablement Group, including my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South, on 26th July to discuss the supply of batteries and also repairs for wheelchairs. He will be writing to them shortly.
New chairs are issued complete with battery. Replacement batteries are held by approved repairers enabling them to meet most demands immediately. Such a replacement, requested during working hours, should be effected within 24 hours. Weekend replacement delays would depend upon the ability of an approved repairer to operate an emergency service. When a battery not in stock is needed, it is obtained from the local agent of the battery manufacturer and this may take from seven to 14 days.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the maximum amount disabled people are authorised to spend on repairs to wheelchairs and other appliances; and if he will seek to raise this to £25.
§ Mr. EnnalsMinor repairs to wheelchairs may be arranged by the user to be carried out by any competent person and without prior approval from the Department: the Department meets the cost. The authorised limit, which is reviewed annually, varies between £5 and £6 according to the type of wheelchair. It would be inappropriate for repairs except minor ones to be undertaken by other496W than specialist repairers and £25 would therefore be far too high as a limit. The arrangements for other appliances vary according to the nature of the appliance.