HC Deb 24 February 1944 vol 397 cc970-1
39. Mr. Oldfield

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of amputation cases repatriated from Germany, in October last, and the number who have now been satisfactorily fitted with artificial limbs.

The Minister of Pensions (Sir Walter Womersley)

407 amputation cases, including a few members of the American and Canadian Forces who were being repatriated to their own countries, were sent to the United Kingdom from Germany in October last. Artificial limbs have been ordered for all British cases ready for the fitting of limbs, but I regret that precise figures of those completed to date are not available.

Mr. Rhys Davies

Is it not a fact that some of these poor fellows were provided with artificial limbs in Germany?

Sir W. Womersley

Yes, Sir, but not of anything like the quality that we desire our men to wear.

40. Mr. Oldfield

asked the Minister of Pensions the time taken to effect delivery of artificial limbs from dates of measurements, in 1939 and in 1944; and will he take steps to ensure that adequate labour and materials are available to prevent undue delays.

Sir W. Womersley

The time taken to effect delivery varies considerably according to the nature of the limb. It is difficult, therefore, to give any precise information, but it is the case that the time of delivery generally is longer than before the war. The present position is causing me some concern and discussions have taken place with my contractors who are making serious efforts to improve the position. There is, however, some shortage of skilled labour and I am considering with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service what can be done to make available to those contractors additional skilled workers.

Mr. Oldfield

Is it not a fact that it used to take from six to eight weeks, and that it is now taking from 16 to 18 weeks?

Sir W. Womersley

No, Sir. I would not agree to the latter figure. We are doing everything we possibly can, but the shortage of skilled labour is a serious matter. I hope to overcome that difficulty very shortly.

41. Mr. Oldfield

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will provide similar accommodation and facilities at limb fitting centres in the provinces to those considered necessary at Roehampton, which are not available to the majority of amputation cases.

Sir W. Womersley

Roehampton, which is the Headquarters of the Ministry's Limb Service, deals with rather more than one-third of the total number of amputation cases and it follows that the accommodation there must be on a larger scale than in provincial limb centres. Subject to this the service in the provinces is comparable with that at Roehampton and, as I informed the hon. Member in reply to a question on 20th January, I keep constantly in mind the need for providing suitable and adequate accommodation in all limb centres.