§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen's Association regarding chiropody treatment for upper and lower limb amputees; if he will indicate what reply he has sent; if he intends considering a change of policy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonThe association has put forward a suggestion that free chiropody treatment should be available as of right to al] war pensioner upper limb amputees, whether or not the need for it arises from their pensioned disability. I have undertaken to consider its most recent representations, and will write to the hon. Member when I have had art opportunity to do so.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will consider giving free chiropody assistance to double upper limb amputees; and if he will make a statement;
(2) why chiropody and other treatment of fingernails is not freely available under the National Health Service to individuals who have lost one arm.
§ Mr. NewtonHandicapped people, including those who have lost one or both arms, are recognised as one of the priority groups for receiving National Health Service chiropody treatment. Local decisions on how best to use limited chiropody resources are, however, a matter for health authorities and for chiropodists' clinical judgment.