HC Deb 20 March 1967 vol 743 c1038
2. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine

asked the Minister of Health what progress has now been made in achieving the 15-day period mentioned in his letter of 26th March, 1965, to the hon. Member for Rye, between measurements and trial fitting of a child's limb, and a similar period for the subsequent finishing work.

Mr. Snow

We have made good progress but are continuing to seek improvements.

Mr. Irvine

As I have been in correspondence with the Department for more than two years about this matter and have sent the Minister a great deal of evidence, may I ask why it still takes three months, from the time of the original order being placed, until limb-fitting finally occurs? Is he aware that I have information about one case, the original order for which was placed on 15th December last, and that, as far as I know, delivery has not yet been made? As his Ministry is unable to make any progress, perhaps I could visit both the workshops and limb-fitting centres, and make a report to him?

Mr. Snow

The hon. Gentleman must distinguish between what I would call the normal case of limb-fitting and the case where congenital deformities are involved, as in this case. The 15-day period originally mentioned did not take into account the time absorbed in transit, in making appointments and so on.