§ 25. Lord Willoughby de Eresbyasked the Minister of Pensions how many private firms were manufacturing artificial limbs in July last; how many have now entered into contract to supply artificial limbs under the National Insurance Act; and how many persons insured under the National Insurance Scheme have chosen to be fitted with an artificial limb or limbs from any of these new contracting firms.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIn July last there were 19 private firms manufacturing artificial legs in addition to the main contractor to the Ministry. Of these, 13 have now entered into contract with my Department to supply patients under the National Health Service Act and negotiations are proceeding with three others. Up to 19th November, 597 National Health Service patients have chosen to be fitted with artificial limbs made by one or other of 11 of these firms. The contracts with the remaining two firms were only recently concluded.