§ 35. Mr. S. Marshallasked the Minister of Pensions what success has been met with in his endeavours to obtain quicker deliveries of the essential fittings to the artificial limbs supplied by Roehampton; and what is the average length of time taken for delivery of the fittings after the limb has been fitted.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingI assume the hon. Member has in mind fittings for use with artificial arms and I am glad to say that our efforts towards speeding up this supply are now meeting with success. To quote an average time for deliveries would be misleading as devices or appliances needed for cases of special difficulty naturally take longer to complete than the more common appliances which are normally available within a week or so.
§ Mr. KeelingIs the Minister aware that there are still many complaints about this matter? Has he considered obtaining skilled labour from among German prisoners for the making of these limbs?
§ Mr. PalingI do not think we have considered that aspect of the matter, but we have certainly been making efforts for months past in order to catch up with this business.
§ Mr. Henry UsborneIs the Minister aware that the price charged for artificial limbs is exorbitant in many cases? Will he look into the question and see whether they can be supplied more cheaply?
§ Mr. PalingI will look into it. I am not aware that the price has been exorbitant. Steps were taken to deal with the matter.