HC Deb 24 March 1927 vol 204 cc534-6
5. Major Sir RICHARD BARNETT

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the fact that light metal limbs are now issued in certain cases of below-knee amputations, he will consider the desirability of giving the pensioner in every case a choice between the improved wooden limb and the light metal limb?

Major TRYON

It is always open to a pensioner to indicate any grounds on which he considers one type of limb more suitable than another in his case, but I could not advisedly give a free choice to the pensioner, whether as regards this or any other type of artificial limb or appliance, which might result in the supply of a limb such as was not, in the opinion of my expert advisers, called for by the requirements of the case or best suited to it.

Sir R. BARNETT

Would my right hon. Friend say if it is not the practice, in the case of a second disability, to issue a metal limb? If that be so, why should a man who has lost a leg in the defence of his country be deprived of such an appliance because he has not got a second disability?

Major TRYON

I do not think the question of any other disability is necessarily decisive. We can supply two kinds of limbs, and when our doctors consider that a metal limb should be rightly given that is the limb which is provided for the pensioner.

Colonel DAY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Australia and Canada men have a right to have a metal limb if they desire it?

Major TRYON

It is hardly possible for me to explain the whole situation at Question Time, hut a number of misstatements, none of which I attribute to the hon. Member, have been made. For one thing, the latest wooden limb is lighter.

Mr. LOOKER

Is there any truth in the statement in the Press that the Ministry are supplying wooden stumps instead of artificial limbs?

Major TRYON

I did see in one paper a statement that the Ministry are supplying wooden stumps. As the originators of that statement well know, it is absolutely untrue.

Colonel DAY

Could the right hon. Gentleman give these men the right to have a metal limb if they want it?

Major TRYON

I cannot undertake to take the matter entirely out of the hands of my expert advisers.