§ Mr. Peter Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if it is his intention that petrol allowances made to disabled drivers using vehicles supplied and maintained by his Ministry shall be raised to a level which at least matches the increase in the price of petrol.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe petrol allowance has never been linked directly either to the cost of petrol itself or to the levels of excise duty and value added tax, but has represented the highest possible rate having regard to available resources and other claims upon them. I cannot predict if or when it will be possible next to increase the rate of the allowance, but I can give an assurance that the case for an increase will be under regular review.