§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will now reconsider the regulations which preclude his Department assisting in the provision or maintenance of an electrically powered wheelchair for disabled persons which can be used both indoors and out of doors.
§ Mr. John MorrisWhile there are no regulations as such which preclude the provision or maintenance by my Department of occupant-controlled, powered wheelchairs for use both indoors and outdoors, the Government's priority is the phasing-in of the mobility allowance and not to provide powered wheelchairs of this type or to pay for the maintenance of those obtained privately. I understand that such wheelchairs are available on favourable credit terms which should bring them within reach of mobility allowance recipients if they choose to use the allowance in this way.