HC Deb 04 June 1980 vol 985 cc769-70W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many new invalid vehicles are currently held by his Department.

Mr. Prentice

There are currently in store 35 unused invalid three-wheelers.

Mrs. Renee Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many reconditioned invalid vehicles, petrol powered and electric powered, suitable for reissue are currently held by his Department.

Mr. Prentice

There are currently in store 1,350 petrol-engined and 250 electrically propelled potentially reusable three-wheelers. The majority were not reconditioned before being stored and, therefore, some may not be fit for reissue. These vehicles will be issued to existing users who continue to use three-wheelers and to whom an undertaking has been given that they will not be immobilised unless increasing disablement makes this inevitable.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many representations he has received this year asking for the option of a specialised vehicle for disabled people to be provided free by his Department; from whom; and what response he has given.

Mr. Prentice

My right hon. Friend and I have received representations from some 20 national or local organisations and about 150 individuals, principally following the launching of the campaign by the replacement specialised vehicle project, from which I met a deputation. I shall send the hon. Member a copy of a note which has been sent to those with whom I have been in correspondence on this subject.