HC Deb 15 May 1970 vol 801 cc423-4W
Mr. Silvester

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services since what date cosmetic arms without harness have been available to the National Health Service.

Mr. Crossman:

This type of arm was first fitted to a patient in Britain by the Ministry's Research Department in 1957 and has been generally available to patients in the National Health Service for whom it is prescribed since 1962.

Mr. Silvester

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what research is currently being conducted into the improvement of cosmetic arms without harness.

Mr. Crossman:

No research is currently being conducted by my Department into the improvement of these arms, but development work is proceeding on the associated type of hand used: a field trial is to be conducted in the near future.

Mr. Silvester

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cosmetic arms without harness supplied to the National Health Service are imported.

Mr. Crossman:

Arms of this type supplied through the National Health Service are not imported.

Mr. Silvester

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what extent cosmetic arms without harness supplied to the National Health Service are made under licence from patents held abroad.

Mr. Crossman:

The manufacture of these arms in Britain does not involve the need for a licence.