§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the recommendations of his Department's report on the wheelchair service published in 1979 (a) which have been accepted and implemented, (b) which have been accepted but await implementation when resources are available and (c) which have been rejected; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossiAs my predecessor explained to the hon. Member in reply to a question on 19 May 1980—[Vol. 985, c.62.]—the review of the administration of the Department's wheelchair service produced a series of reports based on consultations by officials. These did not list specific recommendations, but two general conclusions emerged: that, although many users appeared to be satisfied with the service, there was still much scope for improvement; and that the service catered better for the majority of users who made moderate use of their wheelchairs than it did for the minority who were heavily dependent on them.
Despite financial constraints and a continuous growth in the demand for wheelchairs—currently about 10 per cent. a year—the Department has improved the service in several ways. In his reply my predecessor gave some examples of these improvements. More recently, steps have been taken to make doctors and therapists more aware of the wide range of wheelchairs and accessories available through the Department. Shortly, we expect to extend the availability of some of the more expensive items, such as pressure cushions, and batteries and controls for electric wheelchairs, which will benefit particularly those people who are heavily dependent upon wheelchairs.
284WOther ways of improving the service are continually being considered and will be introduced whenever resources and opportunities allow.