Artificial Limbs and Appliances (Hansard, 30 April 1956)

HC Deb 30 April 1956 vol 552 cc18-20 18

§ 27. Mr. Simmons
s asked the Minister of Health what improvements the research department at Roehampton have authorised to artificial limbs and appliances supplied by Her Majesty's Government within the past three years.

§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Patricia Hornsby-Smith)
As the list is long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

§ The list of authorised improvements in the past three years in connection with artificial limbs is as follows—

§ Artificial Arms and arm appliances

Saw and Plane Appliance.
Welding Rod Holder.
Spring Operated Split Hook.
Toilet Appliance.
Quick Release for Shoulder Braces.
Insulated Electricians' Pliers.
Axe Swinging Appliance.
Heavy Duty Welding Rod Holder.
Test Tube Holder.
Modified Driving Appliance.
Scissors Appliance.
Sanding Block Appliance.
Oxy-acetylene Blow Lamp Holder.
Appliance for use with the Control Column and throttle of aircraft.
Toiler Attachment Bracket for domestic use.
Picknell Hooks.

§ Artificial Legs

Suction Socket Limb.
Improved and stronger side steels for below-knee legs.
Improved short rocker pylons for above-knee amputees.
Anatomical sockets and antomical corsets.
Two-way valves.
Non-skid crutch rubbers.
Full-length Tetrapod Walking sticks.

§ 28. Mr. Simmons
asked the Minister of Health by what means amputees are informed of improvements to artificial limbs and appliances supplied by Her Majesty's Government as they become available.

§ Miss Hornsby-Smith
The British Limbless ex-Service Men's Association are from time to time given particulars of improvements of general interest, and individuals are informed through the limb centres.

§ Mr. Simmons
Will the hon. Lady explain why a captain with an artificial arm who wanted a certain type of hook found that it had not even been heard of at the artificial limb and appliance centre? If this hook was available, surely the individual amputee should have been informed that it was available?

§ Miss Hornsby-Smith
No centre is infallible, but every suggestion put to those concerned is carefully considered. If the hon. Member will give me the details I shall be only too happy to look into the matter.

§ 29. Mr. Simmons
asked the Minister of Health if he will ensure that the Roehampton research centre give full consideration to suggestions for improve 20 ments in artificial limbs and appliances submitted by amputees or by independent inventors.

§ Miss Hornsby-Smith
Yes, Sir; this is already being done.