HC Deb 07 May 1956 vol 552 cc806-7
9. Mr. Simmons

asked the Minister of Health why no reply has been sent to the offer of Mr. Picknell to present to his Department, free from royalties, the patented and improved artificial arm appliance

Mr. Turton

Mr. Picknell was informed on 15th June, 1955, that his artificial arm appliance has been accepted as suitable for issue in certain cases. Mr. Picknell sanctions supply as necessary

10. Mr. Simmons

asked the Minister of Health on how many occasions inventors or users of artificial limb appliances have been personally interviewed by the working party and the Standing Advisory Committee on artificial limbs, respectively

Mr. Turton

There are 12 recorded occasions when the Standing Advisory Committee personally interviewed inventors or users. But on occasions too numerous to record, there have been demonstrations at Roehampton by inventors or users before both technical and medical members of the Working Party

11. Mr. Simmons

asked the Minister of Health if he will strengthen the Standing Advisory Committee on artificial limbs by adding to its membership representatives of B.L.E.S.M.A. and the British Legion who are actual wearers of artificial limbs

Mr. Turton

This is an expert Committee of orthopaedic surgeons and engineers, but I will give further consideration to the hon. Member's suggestion

Mr. Simmons

Will the Minister take account of the fact that, rightly or wrongly, there is a feeling in the ex-Service community that, since the merger, research has taken a back seat, and the presence on that Committee of direct representation of the ex-Service men's organisations would do much to dispel any doubts in the matter?

Mr. Turton

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that there is no basis for that rumour. In fact, one of the members of this Committee, although not a representative of an ex-Service organisation, is an ex-Service man who is wearing an artificial leg, but I will give consideration to the hon. Gentleman's suggestion.