§ 41. Mrs. Castleasked the Minister of Health why an invalid vehicle has been refused to Mr. James Speight, of Blackburn, whose right leg has been permanently stiffened as a result of a war injury and who is unable to use public transport to get to work because he cannot sit down in the bus with his leg stretched out without obstructing other passengers, cannot stand inside because he is too tall, cannot mount the 949 stairs to travel on top, and has been refused permission to travel on the platform.
§ Mr. BraineMr. Speight is recovering from an operation. He will be re-examined before the end of the year to determine his eligibility.
§ Mrs. CastleSurely the hon. Gentleman is aware that the hon. Lady who preceded him has admitted to me that this man's leg has been permanently stiffened and that the operation cannot possibly alter that condition? As a result of that permanent stiffening, he cannot walk more than 150 yards without his leg swelling and causing him considerable pain. He has to go 2¼ miles to work. What is he supposed to do during the six months? Does the hon. Gentleman not appreciate that a permanently stiffened leg can be even more difficult to manage than an artificial one? What is he suggesting, that the man should have his leg amputated in order that he should qualify?
§ Mr. BraineSince Mr. Speight is recovering from an operation on his knee, it is not possible to estimate how well he will eventually be able to walk. Arrangements were made to re-examine him in six months' time. I am advised that our doctors consider that in due time he will be able to walk moderately well. I believe he may not qualify for a power-propelled vehicle. While a man's condition is slowly improving it is quite impossible to assess it for what after all is a Government appliance.
§ Mrs. CastleIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that as a result of this operation the man's right leg is 2¼ inches shorter than his left leg? The operation was merely concerned with infection of the bone following permanent stiffening of his knee. There is a principle involved here. If someone has a permanently stiffened knee he is in a worse condition than if he has an artificial leg; he finds it difficult to walk and to get about by public transport. Why is the Minister asking this man to wait when he has a disability now?
§ Mr. BraineThere appears to be some conflict in the evidence in this case. I fully understand the hon. Lady's anxiety in respect of her constituent and I shall certainly look into the matter again.