§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the estimated sum of money spent each year by the health services in the replacement of walking sticks and pairs of crutches not returned by National Health Service patients
(2) how much money is paid on average by the National Health Service per new pair of crutches and per new walking stick;
(3) how many walking sticks and how many pairs of crutches are estimated to be lost to the Health Service each year through their non-return by National Health Service patients.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisMy Department arranges central contracts for crutches and walking sticks. Hospitals, artificial limb and appliance centres, as well as social services authorities, order from these contracts as required. Ordering authorities arrange supply to patients and for the recovery of loaned items where this is appropriate and economical. Figures of losses are not available centrally and could not be obtained without disproportionate expenditure of time and effort. It is not the practice to disclose prices of articles purchased under Government contracts. If the hon. Gentleman has a particular problem in mind, I shall be pleased to have it considered.
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