HC Deb 25 January 1990 vol 165 cc858-9W
Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what powers he has in relation to the Disablement Services Authority and the provision of artificial limbs;

(2) which part of his Department is responsible for the Disablement Services Authority.

Mr. Freeman

The Disablement Services Authority is a special health authority with full responsibility for the provision of artificial limbs and appliances. The authority is accountable directly to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State, whose powers in respect of it are the same as those in respect of all other health authorities. General oversight of the DSA is the responsibility of the deputy secretary, health and personal social services policy, supported as necessary by parts of the Department.

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the average waiting time for an artificial limb(a) in 1986–87 and (b) currently.

Mr. Freeman

This is a matter for the Disablement Services Authority to which the hon. Member should address his question.