HC Deb 17 December 1953 vol 522 cc565-6
20. Mr. Simmons

asked the Minister of Health why Mr. C. E. S. Joyce, Ottershaw, had to wait from 29th April, 1953, to 27th October, 1953,for his artificial arm, which was delivered at Roehampton for repairs on the earlier date.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The delay was due to the need for major repairs, the abnormal volume of repair work falling on the contractor, and a shortage of staff in his Department owing to sickness. I should add that a duplicate, said to be satisfactory, was available for use, and as soon as this was reported early in October to be uncomfortable, immediate action was taken to complete the repairs.

Mr. Simmons

Six months is rather a long time. I have since heard of an officer, a Mr. Denham, of the British Limbless Ex-Serviceman's Association, who waited 3½ months for an artificial, below-the-knee leg. Cannot the Minister get his Parliamentary Secretary, who, in my constituency advertised her knowledge of "old sweats," to go and talk to some of these "old sweats"?

Mr. Macleod

I very much regret this delay, which was far too long, and I am genuinely grateful to the hon. Member for drawing it to my attention. I will look into it myself.

21. Mr. Simmons

asked the Minister of Health the average time taken, from delivery at Roehampton to return to the amputee, for repairs to artificial arms during the periods January to July, 1953, and August to November, 1953.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The average time taken for repairs to artificial arms was 50 days and 70 days respectively.

22. Mr. Simmons

asked the Minister of Health the average time taken, from delivery at Roehampton to return to amputee, for repairs to artificial legs during periods January to July and August to November, 1953.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The average time taken for repairs to artificial legs was 30 days and 35 days respectively.

Mr. Simmons

Is it not apparent that, since the Ministry of Pensions has ceased to have responsibility for these repairs, there has been a longer time lag? Will the Minister do his best to see that Roehampton is not penalised by the change in administration?

Mr. Macleod

I will certainly do my best, but I really think that to suggest that a firm which is providing artificial limbs for ex-Service men is going to alter its skill and time of delivery purely because there has been a Departmental change is quite unworthy of the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Simmons

I am making no imputation at all against the firm, but against the change in administration, because, after all, they have to work under the administration of the right hon. Gentleman's Department.

Major Legge-Bourke

Can my right hon. Friend give us an absolute assurance that the fact that the two Ministries have merged has no relevance whatever to the increased time involved in repairs?

Mr. Macleod

None at all.