§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many (a) half-sets and (b) full sets of dentures were provided under the National Health Service dental service in 1958, 1968 and 1978; and whether he will estimate the number of half and full sets provided privately in the same years.
§ Mr. MoyleThe table below contains details of the provision in the National Health Service general dental services in England and Wales of full upper and/or lower dentures made of synthetic resin. I have no means of estimating the corresponding private provision.
be consulted and informed as quickly as possible of the outcome of assessments of their children and of future possibilities for them;
(2) whether he will establish a definite time period for informing parents of the results of assessments for children needing myoelectric hands.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisMy hon. Friend will be pleased to know that parents of children called for clinical assessment for the trial of the myoelectric hand have all been informed of the results. All children in the relevant age group who were found suitable in England and Wales have now been fitted with the hand. Moreover, parents who have written either to me or to my Department have received replies setting out the current position. If my hon. Friend has a particular case he would like to raise with me, I shall be glad to hear from him.
Mr. Fred Evansasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many 709W myoelectric limbs have been fitted to date; and how many of these are to adults;
(2) how many children, and of what age, are included in the current trials for myoelectric limbs; what was the basis of their selection; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what progress has been made in providing myoelectric hands for older children; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisIn the course of the trial now taking place, 23 children in England and Wales have been fitted with the myoelectric hand developed in Sweden. A further four children are being fitted in Scotland. The criteria for selection were decided following discussions with Dr. Sorbye who developed the hand, and in the light of his advice and experience as to which children were most likely to succeed with the hand. Included were children between the ages of 3½ and 4½ with a limb deficiency at about the middle third of the forearm. The children concerned are now between the ages of four years and five years three months.
Work is proceeding both in this country and in Sweden on the development of a larger size of child's myoelectric hand. This is one of a number of initiatives which may benefit the older child.
The current trial is confined to younger children and previous attempts to meet the needs of adults by supply of myoelectric limbs have had very limited success. Currently, three adults are using such limbs supplied by my Department