§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the estimated total number of disabled orange badges in circulation in each of the last 10 years. [80200]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonDetails of the estimated total number of Orange Badges on issue in England over the last 10 years are:
Thousand Year Total number of Orange Badges on issue in England 1989 929 1990 979 1991 1,102 1992 1,187 1993 1,275 1994 1,336 1995 1,463 1996 1,517 1997 1,636 1998 1,717 The figures for Scotland and Wales are compiled, and held separately, by my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales respectively.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to review eligibility criteria for disabled orange badges; [80199]
(2) -what plans the Government have to review eligibility for disabled orange badges in respect of people who are severely but temporarily disabled through (a) waiting for treatments and (b) prolonged treatment and recovery. [80198]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThere are no plans to change the eligibility criteria for an Orange Badge at this time.
However, the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC), who are our statutory advisers on the transport needs of disabled people, have submitted a paper to us about the Scheme, which includes such matters as the eligibility criteria and abuse.
To inform us in our consideration of DPTAC's paper, my officials are exploring with all local authorities in England their procedures for issuing Orange Badges. In the light of information received from local authorities we will want to consider DPTAC's paper very carefully before deciding what, if any, changes to the Scheme might be appropriate.
69W
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which psychiatric disorders have been accepted as valid criteria for the award of disabled orange badges. [80201]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonNone. Apart from blind people and people with very severe upper limb disabilities, the key eligibility criterion to qualify for a badge is a permanent and substantial disability which causes either inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking. People with "psychiatric disorders" may be eligible for a badge but only if their walking ability is also very seriously affected.