HC Deb 09 February 1955 vol 536 cc228-9W
Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Health the number and cost of prescriptions issued, dental treatment provided, and appliances issued for which charges were imposed under the National Health Service Act, 1952, for October, November, and December, 1954, as compared with the figures for the months of October, November, and December, 1953.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The information is as follows:

APPLIANCES—SURGICAL APPLIANCES DELIVERED TO HOSPITALS
1953
October November December
Issues Cost Issues Cost Issues Cost
£ £ £
Surgical boots/shoes 3,781 30,806 2,970 25,829 2,227 19,041
Repairs to boots/shoes 3,414 2,138 2,492 1,666 1,437 882
Surgical abdominal appliances 5,325 18,330 4,901 16,776 3,518 12,137
Elastic hosiery 2,605 5,637 2,182 4,777 1,660 3,569
Wigs 744 9,567 476 6,231 395 5,214

1954
October November December
Issues Cost Issues Cost Issues Cost
£ £ £
Surgical boots/shoes 3,103 27,344 3,570 31,622 3,242 28,864
Repairs to boots/shoes 2,142 1,461 2,604 1,795 2,555 1,743
Surgical abdominal appliances 4,184 14,448 5,340 18,673 4,443 15,425
Elastic hosiery 2,124 5,477 2,725 6,052 2,587 5,684
Wigs 655 8,598 636 8,559 686 8,980

  1. 1. The figures for repairs of surgical footwear include all types of repairs and are not related to soling and heeling only.
  2. 2. The figures for surgical abdominal appliances also include all types of belts, some of which are not chargeable.
  3. 3. The figures for issues of elastic hosiery are in terms of pairs throughout.