Wheelchairs Mr. Carter-Jones asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will make it possible for doctors to prescribe any available type of wheelchair on the National Health Service for patients if standard wheelchairs issued by her Department are not suitable. Mr. Alfred Morris It is effective and economic for most needs to be met within the Department's range of wheelchairs, but exceptions are made where there are special needs. There are eligibility rules for powered wheelchairs, mainly for reasons of cost.