§ Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to provide suitable transport for those severely disabled school leavers for whom the mobility allowance is not an adequate substitute for an appropriate vehicle.
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§ Mr. Alfred MorrisThe decision to switch from the old NHS vehicle scheme to the mobility allowance took account of the views of organisations of and for disabled people. We consulted them before introducing the allowance and it has been widely welcomed by them. The severely disabled who cannot drive benefit from the allowance just as much as those who can and the benefit is payable from the age of five. Thus in future disabled school leavers will have had the new benefit for up to eleven years before leaving school. Motability was established about a year ago as a voluntary organisation, with Government support, and continues to enjoy financial assistance from my Department. The organisation aims to help beneficaries of all ages to use their mobility allowance to best advantage. Motability already operates a motor car leasing scheme and plans to introduce hire purchase arrangements shortly. In a relatively short period, the organisation has made good progress and, given time, I am sure it will extend its range of help in this important field of vehicular mobility for the severely disabled.