§ 10. Mr. Michael Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has for integrating the artificial limb-fitting service with the hospital service.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services and my right hon. and learned Friend are considering what might be done.
§ Mr. RobertsDoes my hon. Friend agree that it is generally accepted that it is advantageous for a limb-fitting service to be closely associated with a physical medicine department? Will he give urgent consideration to the matter so that the limb-fitting service can be improved throughout the Principality without delay?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattI agree with my hon. Friend that we need to improve the service. I have already visited the centre on more than one occasion, and under reorganisation, at a time in the future which I cannot yet specify, the matter will definitely be dealt with.
§ Mr. Gwynoro JonesWill the hon. Gentleman tell us what action he proposes to take to reduce the long waiting list for artificial limbs? Secondly, delay takes place on individual applications. The hon. Gentleman will be aware that I have made representations about delay on more than one occasion. How does he propose to reduce that delay?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattThe hon. Gentleman will be glad to know that as a result of a personal effort on my part I am at present asking for a three-monthly report about the nature of the delay. Since I took the matter up, the delay has lessened considerably.