§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many powered and non-powered wheelchairs his Department has in use at the present time.
§ Mr. NewtonOn 30 September 1983 the Department had approximately 16,700 powered and 361,000 non-powered wheelchairs in use in England. These do not include wheelchairs belonging to hospital authorities and local authority social services departments.
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the present policy regarding the purchase and repair of wheelchairs by his Department.
§ Mr. NewtonThe Department buys non-powered wheelchairs and power-operated wheelchairs for indoor use or attendant control. The great majority are made to Departmental specifications by firms able to produce them to the required quality and technical standards, and purchased on the basis of competitive tender. Proprietary chairs are purchased when needed on medical grounds.
Local repairs are carried out under contract by approved repairers. Major repairs and refurbishing are carried out under contract by specialist firms.