§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Health (1) what arrangements he has made with the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, with a view to promoting research on the problem of easing the load on hip-joints of human beings suffering from arthritis;
(2) if he will publicise among regional hospital boards and teaching hospitals research work into arthritis done by the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, for the National Orthopaedic Hospital.
§ Mr. SnowThe Establishment collaborated with the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in the development of a load-bearing sandal, incorporating a radio-telemetry device, as an aid to the measurement of hip function. This development is not directed primarily to arthritic cases, but it may prove helpful in their treatment.
The hospital is now carrying out with financial support from my Department an assessment of hip joint action using 253W the equipment. The question of publicising the equipment will be considered when the assessment is complete.