§ 25. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that some surgical boots cost from £12 to £15 a pair; that this charge is often beyond the means of the applicant, who is usually already reduced in earning power because of such disability and who may be unable to follow his occupation accordingly; and whether he will take steps to relieve such hardship.
§ Mr. CrookshankYes, Sir; it is pro-Posed to make a fixed charge of £3 a pair for surgical boots and shoes.
§ Mr. FreemanIs it not obvious that this will penalise those who are the greatest sufferers? Will the right hon. Gentleman not reconsider the whole matter in view of the very great difficulties in which these people will be placed?
§ Mr. CrookshankThe charge of £3 is, of course, about the cost of ordinary footwear which these persons do not have to buy.
§ Mr. G. ThomasIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the saving made by this charge will be very small, but that it will impose tremendous difficulty on working people to whom £3 is sometimes a week's wages? Will he look at this matter again? It is a monstrous business.