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Disabled Servicemen (Artificial Limbs)

Volume 390: debated on Thursday 3 June 1943

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asked the Minister of Pensions why only two artificial legs are given to disabled service men, however long they live; what is the cost of such limbs and their period of effective use; and how such men should provide themselves with additional limbs in later life?

As regards the first part of the Question, disabled ex-service pensioners are not limited to the initial issue of two artificial legs, as the limbs are repaired and renewed, at the expense of the Ministry, as and when found necessary by the Department's Limb Surgeons. The period of effective use of an artificial leg may be as much as, 20 years but depends on several factors, such as occupation of wearer, the personal care given by the pensioner to the limb and his willingness to co-operate in maintaining the limb in effective condition. The remaining parts of the Question do not therefore arise.