§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services by what percentage the petrol allowance paid to the disabled drivers of his Department's invalid vehicles has fallen in real terms since it was increased to its present value; and to what amount it would be necessary to increase the allowance to restore its value.
§ Mr. NewtonThe value of the petrol tax allowance paid to drivers of the Department's invalid three-wheelers has fallen by 68.5 per cent. in real terms since it was fixed in November 1974. Based on the movement in the retail prices index from November 1974 to March 1985, it would be necessary to increase the allowance to £32 a year to restore its value. It is, however, not linked directly to the index or any other specific factor.