§ Mr. Concannonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how long his Department expects to take to approve the application for a mobility conversion by Mr. M. V. Reynolds of 21 Sandycliffe Close, Forest Town, Mansfield; how many such applications are outstanding; and when he expects the backlog to be cleared.
§ Mr. Newton[pursuant to his reply, 6 February 1984, c. 507]: Mr. Reynolds has opted to receive the new war pensioners' mobility supplement. This will replace the Departmental vehicle he is currently using. He has decided to use the allowance to buy a car on hire purchase via Motability. He has asked for adaptations to his new car, namely, automatic gearbox, adjustable seat and grab handles on the driver's side. These have now been medically approved and the Department is able to make a contribution towards the cost of an automatic gearbox. The Department will also meet the full cost of an adjustable seat and grab handles.
The Department has received approximately 400 requests for assistance to meet the cost of conversions to Motability cars and it is expected that these will be dealt with within the next three months.