§ Major COHENasked the Minister of Pensions to what extent the recommendations of the Williamson Committee have been acted upon in connection with the supply of light metal limbs to pensioners?
§ Captain CRAIGThe recommendations of the Williamson Committee with regard to the supply of light metal limbs to pensioners were accepted by my predecessor some 18 months ago and have since been acted upon by my Department. Up to the 1st June last 1,123 metal limbs were supplied, and since that date an average of 315 a month have been issued. I am as anxious as my hon. and gallant Friend that every limbless man should have a528W limb which is satisfactory to him, and where a metal limb is desired and considered suitable and necessary by the limb-fitting surgeon it is supplied. I may add that in order to remove misconception, I recently caused a summary of the official Regulations of the Ministry regarding the supply. I understand that my hon. and gallant. Friend is in possession of a copy of this.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Minister of Pensions whether the Ministry supply artificial limbs free of charge to men in need of the same, but do not supply boots.for such men; and, if not, why the distinction is made?
§ Captain CRAIGArtificial limbs are supplied at the cost of the Ministry to all pensioners who need them for a disability due to service, and where an artificial limb requires a special boot to be worn the Ministry accepts responsibility for the supply. I may explain, however, that in the large majority of cases ordinary boots can be comfortably worn with artificial limbs and, although a pair of ordinary hoots is supplied when an artificial limb is first issued, my right hon. Friend sees no reason why the repair and renewal of these boots should be undertaken at the cost of the State.