§ Mr. Ashtonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will now make a statement on the report to him of the British Medical Association's planning unit on aids for the disabled.
§ Mr. CrossmanYes. The main questions with which this report is concerned are long term, and I have been considering what changes in policy are required.
The report criticises the delay caused by slow and cumbersome administrative procedure, and my proposals for changing the structure of the National Health 247W Service will help to overcome this delay. The Social Services will also be affected by the recommendations of the Seebohm Report and of the Royal Commission on Local Government.
It is asserted that the integration of the limb service with the Hospital Service is of prime importance in securing improvement. The principle of integration is accepted and I am considering in depth all the implications. We must be careful to preserve the many good qualities of the present comprehensive and uniform service.
The report states that much of the equipment is clumsy and old-fashioned. I accept this. I have for some time been encouraging research to secure improvement and will continue to do so; in fact, the recommendations on research and development are generally in line with my views. I do not accept all that is said about artificial limbs. Progressive improvements have been made over many years and good progress towards a modular limb is being made in this country. I am encouraging this development with a view to its introduction as soon as possible. There is no "well-proved" modular method of construction of artificial limbs, as implied in the report, which I can introduce immediately.
My Standing Medical Advisory Committee has set up a sub-committee to consider the future provision of rehabilitation services in the National Health Service, their organisation and development. The report has been brought to the notice of the sub-committee.
I am considering the recommendations for the prescribing of aids by general practitioners but do not expect to be able to give an early decision.