HC Deb 28 January 1986 vol 90 cc508-9W
Mr. Sheerman

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the number of wheelchairs currently issued by the Department of Health and Social Security by type, manual or electrical; and what projections have been made of future demands.

Mr. Newton

In 1985, 141,400 non-powered and 8,200 powered wheelchairs were issued to users in England bringing the totals in use (at 30 September 1985) to 425,000 non-powered and 19,200 powered wheelchairs.

Recent trends indicate that the number of non-powered wheelchairs in use is likely to increase by 7 to 10 per cent. each year and that of powered wheelchairs by 4 to 5 per cent. each year.