§ 11. Mr. Newtonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on progress in providing vehicles under the motability scheme.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisThe hon. Gentleman will recall that Motability's car leasing scheme was launched in the spring. In June, at the organisation's request, my Department sent out a general explanatory leaflet to all mobility allowance beneficiaries—some 90,000 disabled people. Forms of application to take part in the scheme have also been sent to all mobility allowance recipients in the age groups from which Motability are currently prepared to consider applications. These are people aged 16 to 39. My Department is ready to send out further forms as additional age groups are phased into the scheme.
I am told that there has been an encouraging response in terms of applications received and that the leasing scheme is now well under way with the first batch of motor cars already on the road. I know that Motability, which is, of course, 905W an independent voluntary organisation, located at State House, High Holborn, London, WC1R 4SX, would provide more detailed information to any hon. Member with a particular interest in its work.