§ 66. Major COHENasked the Minister of Pensions how many soldiers who are suffering from the amputation of a leg have been provided with their second artificial limb; and how many such soldiers are still waiting for the said limb?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)A duplicate artificial leg has been supplied in 6,362 cases. The number still to be supplied is 20,350. As regards the latter figure, perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will allow me to refer him to the circumstances referred to in the answer I gave to his question on the subject of artificial limbs generally on the 20th May, of which I am sending him a copy for his information.
§ Major COHENIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in France, where 1083 there are three times the number of these men to be dealt with, very few are kept waiting?
§ Major TRYONI am aware that my hon. and gallant Friend has recently been studying this question, and I shall be very glad to receive any information he can give us with regard to the position there.
§ 69. Captain LOSEBYasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that ex-soldiers who lost limbs during the recent War have in certain cases been supplied with unsuitable artificial limbs of an inferior quality; if he will state the policy of the Ministry in the matter; and if he will consider the advisability of issuing instructions that all artificial limbs supplied must be of the best quality procurable?
§ Major TRYONEvery precaution is taken to see that only artificial limbs of the best quality are supplied. Every limb must be passed by the surgeon of the hospital, and periodic inspection is given by officers of the Ministry. In the event of any defect being subsequently found, re-admission to a limb-fitting hospital is arranged on application being made through the appropriate Local War Pensions Committee in order that the defect may be put right or a more suitable type of limb supplied.