asked the Minister of Pensions why Mr. William Greensmith, telephonist at Farnborough Hospital, Kent, is unable to obtain an artificial leg under the National Health Scheme, reference LFN/TW/NHS/257, for which application was made to Tunbridge Wells Fitting Centre on 14th October, 1948; and if he will take steps to expedite the matter.

I regret the delay, which is due to the very heavy demands of the National Health Service. As Mr. Greensmith's artificial limb was regarded as likely to be serviceable for some months his case was not given the priority which is necessarily given to men with unserviceable limbs. The new leg will, I hope, be ready for first fitting in a fortnight or so.