HC Deb 20 December 1962 vol 669 c246W
Sir J. Smyth

asked the Minister of Health whether he is now in a position to begin the issue of the new type patella tendon-bearing limb.

Mr. Powell

Yes. Fitting of these limbs, which are for below-knee amputees, will start on 1st January, 1963, initially at certain limb fitting centres and in selected new cases only. By May, 1963, the limbs will be supplied in all suitable new cases. Children and adolescents who require a new limb because of growth will be treated as new cases.

From May, 1963, the limbs will also be provided, where desired, in replacement of existing limbs, in the following order:

  1. (1) War pensioners (in order of age of existing limbs), and children and adolescents for whom the new limb is clinically desirable in advance of normal replacement. These replacements should be completed by April, 1965.
  2. (2) All others (in order of age of existing limbs). These replacements should be complete by the end of 1967.