HC Deb 04 March 1954 vol 524 cc99-100W
31 and 34. Mr. D. Jones

asked the Minister of Health (1) if he will enumerate the health authorities in England and Wales who make a charge to invalids for the use of invalid chairs;

(2) under what powers certain health authorities in England and Wales make available invalid chairs to invalids needing them, whilst other health authorities make varying charges per week for the use of the same type of chairs.

32 and 33. Mr. Watkins

asked the Minister of Health (1) the names of the health authorities in Wales who make charges for hire of invalid chairs; and what are the charges made;

(2) what guidance he can offer to invalids who require the use or hire of invalid chairs; and to which authority should applications be made.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

All local health authorities are empowered to provide, through their arrangements under Section 28 of the National Health Service Act, 1946, invalid chairs and other appliances for use by people who are or have been ill. They have discretion as to the appliances they make available, and they can make charges according to means. Complete information as to the practice in individual areas is not available. Invalid chairs can also be supplied through the hospital services on the recommendation of a specialist to patients who are likely to need them for long-term disability.