Lord Campbell of Croyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why government expenditure of £500,000, announced in October 2000 as intended for silicone cosmesis for artificial limbs, was in the event spent on other parts of the National Health Service. [HL1899]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathWe have increased health authority allocations by £4 million over the next three years to provide silicone cosmesis for prosthetic limb users. This funding started in April this year with £0.5 million for 2001–02, £1.5 million for 2002–03 and a further £2 million for 2003–04.
The funding was included in health authorities' allocations, along with funding for community services equipment. In order to ensure that patients do receive this funding we have written to chief executives and finance directors of health authorities that commission prosthetic services to highlight the silicone cosmesis allocation.