HC Deb 20 February 1951 vol 484 cc1046-7
26. Commander Maitland

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will consider an increase in the number of amputation socks issued by his Department to limbless ex-Service men.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions (Mr. Simmons)

The individual issue is eight a year, and additional socks are readily supplied where necessary; for example, if the nature of the person's occupation calls for frequent changes. My information is that these arrangements meet the needs of pensioners satisfactorily. If the hon. Member has in mind a particular instance where further socks are required, I should be glad to look into it.

27. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that amputees from Leicester have to travel to Nottingham for limb fittings or repairs; that there is accommodation available in Leicester for a limb-fitting centre; and if he will arrange for one to be opened in Leicester in the near future.

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Isaacs)

I am aware that patients from Leicester needing limb fittings and major repairs to limbs have to travel to Nottingham. At present, the number of these patients does not justify the attendance of surgeons, fitters and technicians at Leicester, but I am keeping the matter under review.

Mr. Janner

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are 145 members of B.L.E.S.M.A. in Leicester and the county, apart from those who are not members, and, in view of the fact that, under the National Health Scheme, limbless civilians have to be attended to, does he not consider that it is high time that this important city of Leicester and its needs in this regard should have a centre in which they could be attended to?

Mr. Isaacs

No, Sir; I do not think it is high time, but I am keeping the matter under review and have called for a report.

Mr. Janner

In view of the serious conditions now prevailing, I have no alternative but to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

30. Mr. Baker White

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the great increase in the cost of woollen clothing and the heavy wear on socks, trousers and shirts of artificial limbs, he will increase the clothing grants paid to amputees.

Mr. Isaacs

As I told the House in the debate on 16th February, this is one of a number of matters which I am examining. I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Mr. Baker White

Will the Minister bear in mind the special hardship which that causes to men in industrial employment where there is wear on the outside of the clothes as well as on the inside from the artificial limbs?

Mr. Isaacs

Yes, Sir, we have that point in mind.