HC Deb 16 November 1983 vol 48 cc495-6W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total cost of the limb service to his Department; what percentage of this cost is represented by payments for (a) ambulance services and (b) the artificial limb and appliance centres; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Newton

The total estimated cost of the service in England in the financial year 1982–83, excluding research and development other than that carried out by contractors, was approximately £34,000,000.

This sum does not include the cost of ambulance services, which are provided by regional health authorities. the cost of ambulances used by patients attending artificial limb and appliance centres is not separately identified. Nor does it include artificial limb and appliance centre capital and maintenance costs which cannot be allocated between the artificial limb service and the other services provided by those centres.

It does include departmental staff in the centres—including medical officers — which accounts for approximately 12 per cent. of the total costs.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if the Department's administrative structure includes all medical and scientific staff engaged in limb supply in any way; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Newton

No. Some scientific and technical staff are employed by the limb manufacturers and by the bioengineering centre which also employs one doctor.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the cost of research and development in artificial limbs other than that conducted through contractors; what was his Department's total expenditure with contractors to the limb service in 1982; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Newton

The cost of research and development relating to artificial limbs in England, other than that conducted through contractors, was approximately £900,000 in the financial year 1982–83. Total expenditure with contractors to the artificial limb service in England was approximately £29,400,000 in that year.