War-disabled (Stump Socks)

Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Health – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 4 May 1964.

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Photo of Hon. Nicholas Ridley Hon. Nicholas Ridley , Cirencester and Tewkesbury 12:00, 4 May 1964

asked the Minister of Health what is the longest time that war-disabled limbless people have had to wait for a supply of stump socks from his Department.

Photo of Bernard Braine Bernard Braine , Essex South East

I regret that this information is not available. Demands for stump socks are normally met immediately but there is some delay when socks of a nonstandard size are ordered for the first time.

Photo of Hon. Nicholas Ridley Hon. Nicholas Ridley , Cirencester and Tewkesbury

Is my hon. Friend aware that one of my constituents has waited since before Christmas for some stump socks? Would my hon. Friend be kind enough to make sure that this is put right immediately and that, so far as possible, it does not happen again? It seems totally unnecessary.

Photo of Bernard Braine Bernard Braine , Essex South East

Yes, Sir. I have made inquiries into the case that my hon. Friend has in mind. Admittedly, there was some undue delay. I have looked very closely into the details of the case and I am satisfied that it does not reveal any general delay in the supply of stump socks. I am very sorry that my hon. Friend's constituent had to wait longer than was necessary.

Photo of Dr Horace King Dr Horace King , Southampton, Itchen

While there may be the odd case, would the Minister accept the tribute of the war-disabled men to the spendid work that his Department is doing in this and similar fields?

Photo of Bernard Braine Bernard Braine , Essex South East

I am sure that my right hon. Friend will appreciate that observation very much.