§ 137. Mr. Sutcliffeasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware of the delay in obtaining surgical appliances for disabled ex-Servicemen, which have been recommended by his Department in connection with the pensioned disability, and what system there is of priorities for these appliances which, in many cases, are urgently needed.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingThe surgical boot and appliances industry, in common with many other industries, has been faced with the position of trying to meet an increasing demand whilst suffering from a shortage of skilled labour. I can assure the hon. Member that I regret the delay that must of necessity occur in many cases in supplying these essential needs of the war disabled and that no effort has been spared by me or my officers to endeavour to bring about an improvement in the position and these efforts will not be relaxed. So far as priorities are concerned, it may be said that the needs of all the 365W disabled have an equal claim and, therefore, the endeavour is made to supply in rotation as orders are placed, but there may be special features, such as the need for getting a man out of hospital, which make it desirable to take a case out of it turn and this would be done where appropriate.