§ 15. Mr. Symondsasked the Minister of Pensions if he has now considered the suggestion that ex-Service men with one artificial leg should be provided with two shoes for the sound leg with every one given for the artificial leg; and if he has any statement to make.
§ Mr. BuchananYes, Sir. The war pensioner who is supplied by my Department with a light pair of shoes on receiving his first artificial leg will in future be supplied with a second shoe for the sound foot.
§ Mr. SymondsIs my right hon. Friend aware that the speed with which he has made this welcome concession will be much appreciated? As the difficulty of obtaining three shoes at a time will recur once the initial free issue is worn out, can there be some permanent arrangement to enable these men to obtain three shoes at a time and, in particular, can there be some adjustment of the wear and tear allowance to meet the extra cost?
§ Mr. BuchananIn regard to the first part of the supplementary question, arrangements have been made that the supply of the extra shoe will be made at cost price, plus a very small percentage for working expenses. With regard to wear and tear, I hope at an early date after Easter to be in a position to say that we are able to make some adjustment to improve the position.