To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what date the multi-disciplinary team under the Aritficial Limb and Appliance Service in Wales commenced its work on establishing the eligibility criteria for the future provision of indoor-outdoor powered wheelchairs in Wales; on what date this work was completed; and when its proposals will be fully implemented. [17938]

The Artificial Limb and Appliance Service commenced work in January 1997 on the detailed eligibility criteria for electrically powered indoor/outdoor wheelchairs (EPIOCs). Following consultation and discussions with organisations for disabled people, wheelchair users and health service professionals, this was completed in September with the first EPIOCs issued to patients in November.