§ Dr. John A. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many applications he has received for pensions from people over 80 years of age, resident in West Cumberland; and what estimate he has made of the total number of people resident in that area who would be eligible.
§ Mr. DeanUp to and including 2nd February, 1971, 246 claims for pension under Section 1 of the National Insurance (Old Persons' and Widows' Pensions and Attendance Allowance) Act, 1970, 211W have been received in our offices which cover the West Cumberland area and 221 pensions have been awarded. It is not possible to give an estimate of the total number eligible for these pensions in this particular area.
§ Dr. John A. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what special services are not available to patients in the West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven; and to which other hospitals must patients travel to receive these special services.
§ Mr. AlisonIn-patients requiring treatment in dermatology, radiotherapy and in some cases the Ear, Nose and Throat Department, and out-patients having consultations in cardio-thoracic surgery and plastic surgery go to Cumberland Infirmary and the City General Hospital, Carlisle. Specialist in-patient treatment is provided at regional centres at Newcastle General Hospital for plastic surgery, neuro-surgery and radiotherapy and at Shotley Bridge Hospital for cardiothoracic surgery. The nearest intermittent dialysis unit is at the Royal Victoria Infirmary Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. Services for the disabled are provided at the Artificial Limb and Appliance Centre, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, with some part-time facilities also available at Carlisle.