§ 9. Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Health whether he will arrange for snow boots, capable of protecting surgical boots, to be made available to handicapped people under the National Health Service.
§ Mr. BraineNo, Sir.
§ Dame Irene WardIs my hon. Friend aware that there are no covering snow boots available in this country? Is he aware that they can be obtained from Canada? Would it not be easier for my hon. Friend to arrange for their importation so that these people in winters such as the one we have recently had should not be absolutely housebound? Why just say "No"? Why not say, "I will have a look at the matter"? Come on, get on with something.
§ Mr. BraineI always say "No" with the greatest reluctance to my hon. Friend. The fact is that the shape of most surgical boots is such that normal snow boots or overshoes could not be used. My information is that surgical boots usually provide better protection than normal footwear because they are waterproof and better support is given to the ankle fitting. If my hon. Friend has any special information or a particular case she wishes to bring to my attention I shall certainly look into it.