§ Mr. Bowdenasked the Minister of Transport what plans he has to ease the mobility problems of disabled young people.
§ Mr. FowlerIn consultation with the Minister for Social Security and the Minister with responsibilities for the disabled, I have been considering ways in which, without detriment to road safety, disabled 16-year-olds might achieve the kind of independent mobility which was formerly provided by the invalid tricycle. Subject to the outcome of consultations with interested organisations and the normal safeguards of health screening, propose to reduce to 16 the age at which young people in receipt of mobility allowance can apply for a provisional driving licence. I believe that allowing disabled 16-year-olds to obtain driving licences would ease some of the problems which they face. This would make an important contribution to their ability to find employment or to pursue further education or training. And I hope it would open to them on a more equal basis some of the opportunities taken for granted by their able-bodied contemporaries.