§ 17. Mr. T. J. Brooksasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that three clothing coupons have to be surrendered before a colostomy surgical belt is supplied; and if he will remove this hardship to many people who are compelled to wear this surgical appliance, which requires constant renewal.
§ Mr. H. WilsonSurgical belts of not more than six inches in width specially designed for a number of specified conditions, including colostomy, are available coupon free, but coupons are required for other types which cannot be thus clearly defined because some can be worn in place of other rationed undergarments. My Department is always prepared to consider sympathetically applications for special allowances of coupons for wearers of colostomy appliances subject to the production of medical evidence.
§ Mr. BrooksDoes my right hon. Friend mean to suggest that they are coupon free? Is he not aware that it is a sufficient handicap for these people to suffer from these complaints without having to give coupons for the necessary appliances? No coupons have to be given for surgical boots, and as this is a far more important and serious matter, surely my right hon. Friend ought to withdraw this hardship from the people concerned. The belts are very expensive, and they have to be renewed about every six months?
§ Mr. WilsonI have explained the circumstances in which they are coupon free, and I have also said that I will sympathetically consider other applications. If my hon. Friend will let me have particulars, I shall be glad to look at them.