§ 4. Mr. Simmonsasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance when the report of the Rock Carling Committee on the effect of amputations on health and the expectancy of life will be available.
§ Brigadier SmythI regret that I am not yet in a position to say when the Committee's final report will be available.
§ Mr. SimmonsIn addition to the report to the Minister, will a report be published summarising the findings of the Committee?
§ Brigadier SmythIt will undoubtedly be made public after it has been examined in the Ministry and by the Central Advisory Committee.
§ 5. Mr. Simmonsasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will consider the desirability of periodic examinations of pensioners over 50 years of age who have lost a leg, to ascertain the effect of extra strain on the paired limb.
§ Brigadier SmythMy right hon. Friend thinks we had better wait and see what the Rock Carling Committee reports before making up our minds on this point. As the hon. Member knows, many limbless pensioners are not in favour of periodic examinations.
§ Mr. SimmonsHas the experience of the Ministry in the examination of the sample number of limbless men for the purpose of the Rock Carling Committee not convinced it that many defects were found in the examination and that examinations might be made periodically?
§ Brigadier SmythAny pensioner can, of course, have a medical examination at any time if he feels that his assessment should be increased, but I think we had better wait until we see the result of the Committee's deliberations.