Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has issued to (a) NHS trusts and (b) socialservices departments about the use of reconditioned motors in electric wheelchairs. [178498]Dr. Ladyman: The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has specific responsibility on behalf of the Secretaryof State to safeguard public health where medical devices are involved. Electric powered wheelchairs come within this overall remit.MHRA has issued guidance, which is available to, health and social services. This guidance relates to the management, repair andmaintenance of medical devices. This guidance has also been incorporated into the NHS Controls Assurance Standards for medicaldevices.Within this guidance the use of reconditioned parts such as motors for electric wheelchairs is acknowledged as an option that can becost effective. However, the source and specification of the reconditioning process is a critical element. It is generallyrecommended that reconditioning is carried out by the original equipment manufacturer. If it is to be carried out by another sourcethen it is essential that the reconditioner can prove that the process has produced the same level of safety, technicalspecification and performance as the original equipment. The fitting of the reconditioned motor and any subsequent changes that arerequired to the maintenance process for the wheelchair itself will also need to be recorded in the equipment records for thewheelchairs.