§ Mr. BestTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what level of funding will be provided for the electrically-powered indoor/outdoor wheelchair scheme after the year 2000. [31720]
§ Mr. BoatengAdditional funding has been made available to health authorities over the years 1996–97 to 1999–2000 to enable the National Health Service to introduce the provision of electrically-powered wheelchairs for severely disabled people. The sum of £6 million in additional funding will be made recurrent in 1999–2000. From 2000–2001 the additional funding will be included in the total allocations made to health authorities.
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§ Mr. BestTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding has been distributed to health authorities in respect of the wheelchair voucher scheme since April 1996; and how much will be distributed in 1998–99 and 1999–2000. [31725]
§ Mr. BoatengHealth authorities received £962,000 in respect of the wheelchair voucher scheme in 1996–97; and have received, so far, £4,959,500 in 1997–98. For 1998–99 and 1999–2000 they are due to receive £8 million in each year.
§ Mr. BestTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many vouchers have been issued under the electrically powered indoor/outdoor wheelchair scheme since April 1996; and what is the target number of vouchers for the four-year programme. [31724]
§ Mr. BoatengThe National Health Service voucher scheme does not currently extend to the provision of electrically powered indoor/outdoor wheelchairs. This may be reviewed once both schemes have become established.