§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, if his Department will provide special funding for the work being carried out at Royal Hallamshire hospital in Sheffield into the use of a machine to knit broken bones by electrical induction; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanI understand that the orthopaedic department at the Royal Hallamshire hospital has been undertaking research into the use of an electronic machine for facilitating the knitting of broken bones. The research study is due to be completed at the end of this year. If a request were made by the Sheffield AHA(T) to the Trent RHA for special funds for this service, I am sure754W that it would be considered, though account would, of course, have to be taken of other competing priorities and the overall financial climate in the Health Service.