§ 103. Mr. Marloweasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that great hardship and inconvenience are caused to limbless ex-Servicemen by reason of the delays experienced by them in the carrying out of essential repairs and replacements; whether any action has been taken by the committee set up in November, 1944, to consider this matter; and whether he will ensure that the treatment of these men is ameliorated.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopThe time taken to complete repairs to artificial limbs varies according to the nature of the repair needed, minor ones being frequently attended to while pensioners wait. Major ones naturally take a good deal longer, but I am not aware of undue hardship and inconvenience in general being experienced. If, however, the hon. Member has any particular case in mind and will send me the details I will certainly look into it.
As regards the second part of the Question, I am glad to say that suitable 19W premises have been taken near Victoria Station for the establishment of a limb centre for minor alterations and repairs in accordance with the recommendation in the report of the Departmental Committee on Artificial Limbs (1945). The premises are in course of adaptation and equipping and I hope will be ready shortly.