§ Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Minister of Transport whether he will publish the number of road accident deaths in England and Wales in each of the past five years.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe required information is as follows:
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI have seen the representations made by the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen's Association and I can assure the right hon. Member that the association's views will receive the most careful consideration. The association has not asked for any meeting with me, but I would of course be happy to arrange a meeting if one is requested.
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§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Minister of Transport what is his estimate of the number of disabled passengers who benefit from the orange badge scheme of parking concessions for the disabled; if he will give a separate figure for the number of blind people who benefit from the scheme; and by how many he expects to reduce the number of beneficiaries who are disabled passengers if his proposed changes to the scheme are given effect.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeAt the last census in 1976 about 11,000 badges had been issued to blind people. I regret that the other information is not available as the scheme does not distinguish between disabled drivers and passengers.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Minister of Transport what is his estimate of the number of disabled people who cannot use public transport, and who drive their own cars to and from work and shopping, who will cease to benefit from the orange badge scheme of parking concessions for the disabled if his proposed changes to the scheme are given effect.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThere is no basis for estimating these figures, since local authorities issue badges to disabled people who satisfy the criteria laid down in the regulations, irrespective of whether they own a car, or are drivers or passengers. The proposed changes are intended to concentrate the assistance provided by the scheme on those who need it most.