HC Deb 22 May 1978 vol 950 cc386-7W
Mr. Cronin

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what further improvements will be carried out in the design of vehicles provided by his Department for handicapped persons.

Mr. Alfred Morris

To the extent that can be accommodated within available resources, my Department introduces improvements to the vehicles it supplies for handicapped people. Some of these involve modifications to current equipment and others the introduction into our range of completely new models. For example, for certain disabled children we have recently accepted into our range of equipment a small bicycle with special stabilisers.

As regards road vehicles, my hon. Friend will be aware of the Government's decision to phase-out provision of the invalid three-wheeler over a period. Although the three-wheeler fleet will be kept on the road at least until 1982 or 1983, no more vehicles will be purchased so that the question of improvements in design does not arise. In-service modifications may be made if they prove to be necessary.

I shall be glad to consider any particular suggestions that my hon. Friend may have in mind.

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