HC Deb 03 March 1960 vol 618 cc164-5W
Mr. L. M. Lever

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a rubber foot and ankle unit has been widely available on artificial limbs issued in Germany since 1949; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that British limbs maintain their high standards and keep in line with tested improvements and developments obtained in other countries.

Miss Pitt

My right hon. and learned Friend is aware that a unit of this type has been in limited use in Germany. A rubber foot and ankle unit is available on limbs supplied in this country, and experiments are going on with foreign units of this kind and a German unit has been ordered for comparison. The Ministry's officers, through visits to foreign centres and their association with international organisations and with national organisations in other countries, are in touch with the major proved developments abroad in the design and methods of manufacture of limbs, and foreign components are tested by the research department at Roehampton with a view to incorporating any proved beneficial features in British limbs.

Mr. L. M. Lever

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the substantial overloading of the facilities for limb fitting and repairs at Roehampton; and what proposals he has for the creation of additional limb and appliance centres so as to achieve a more personal and clinical approach to the individual problems of limb fitting.

Miss Pitt

My right hon. and learned Friend is considering whether an additional limb fitting centre should be established in the London area.

Mr. L. M. Lever

asked the Minister of Health what steps are taken by his Department to provide additional aids and gadgets, especially for arm amputees, to enable them to lead a normal unaided life; and how the availability of such aids is made known to arm amputees.

Miss Pitt

A wide range of appliances for use with artificial arms is supplied through the artificial limb service. Posters indicating to arm amputees how they may obtain information about these appliances are displayed at the Limb Centres, and corresponding leaflets are sent to amputees who may not have visited a Centre when repaired limbs are returned to them.