§ 14. Mr. Oldfieldasked the Minister of Pensions whether the promise of 20th January last has now been fulfilled and full-time instructors appointed at all arm-fitting centres to give ample tuition in the use of artificial arms and their attachments; and whether he will consider the appointment of instructors to teach men with high amputations or double amputations of lower limbs to walk correctly.
§ Sir W. WomersleyFull-time instructors have been appointed at two arm-fitting centres and there is a part-time instructor at a third. The latter will, I hope, shortly be replaced by a full-time instructor who is at present being trained for the post. With regard to the second part Of the Question, tuition in walking is given by the limb makers during the construction of the limb and subsequently by the limb surgeons.
§ Mr. OldfieldDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that the time of limb-makers is so fully taken up that they have not the time to instruct people how to walk?
§ Sir W. WomersleyI think it is much better that the limb-surgeon should supervise the job, because the limb has to be made specially to fit the man and it is better that the surgeon himself should see that it fits properly.