§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure that the Disablement Services Authority is adequately funded to enable it to provide(a) lightweight wheelchairs, (b) indoor/outdoor powered wheelchairs and (c) special seating to those people who have been assessed as needing them.
§ Mr. FreemanIt is open to the Disablement Services Authority to allocate such sums as it sees fit from within its budget in line with the needs of its services and its policies.
§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to monitor the policies of the Disablement Services Authority with regard to the provision of(a) lightweight wheelchairs, (b) indoor/ outdoor powered wheelchairs and (c) special seating.
§ Mr. FreemanThe Disablement Services Authority is a special health authority and in common with all health authorities its policies and their implementation are monitored through the NHS planning and review process.
§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations his Department has received concerning the need for adequate funding to the Disablement Services Authority to enable it to provide(a) lightweight wheelchairs, (b) indoor/outdoor powered wheelchairs and (c) special seating to those people who have been assessed as needing them.
§ Mr. FreemanWe have received a small number of letters about powered wheelchairs and special seating. We have not received any representations about lightweight wheelchairs.