HC Deb 22 February 1983 vol 37 c415W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of hospitals issuing crutches, walking sticks and other walking aids to temporarily injured persons and failing to get these returned when these people's injuries are cured, he will take whatever action may be necessary to obtain the return of these, and the saving of the associated costs to the National Health Service.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Arrangements for the return of the aids they supply are the responsibility of the individual health authorities, but I will draw this helpful suggestion to the attention of the relevant authorities in the most appropriate way.