HC Deb 20 June 1977 vol 933 cc374-5W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress is being made towards the production of an occupant-controlled outdoor wheelchair; and when he expects to be able to issue them to disabled persons who need them.

Mr. Alfred Morris

A number of wheelchairs of this kind are already on the market. The type of wheelchair which best suits individual disabled people depends not only on their disabilities but also on social factors and the nature of the terrain near their homes. Some manufacturers offer hire-purchase facilities, and this will be of additional help to those who want to use the mobility allowance to obtain powered wheelchairs of their own choice. There are no plans for Government issue of chairs of this type.