HC Deb 19 May 1980 vol 985 c62W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if his Department has completed its review of the wheelchair service; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Prentice

The review, about which the hon. Member asked a question on 16 November 1978—[Vol. 958 c.352]—produced a series of reports, based on consultations by officials. These reports were considered by a symposium of interested parties in March 1979. Since then a number of improvements have been introduced; for example, procedures have been streamlined to allow supply of chairs, both powered and non-powered, to proceed without the involvement of the Blackpool headquarters, better instruction booklets are available for users and several improvements in the design of some models are being made. Progress with other developments will depend on the availability of resources.