asked the Minister of Pensions if he will consider an increase in the number of amputation socks issued by his Department to limbless ex-Service men.

The individual issue is eight a year, and additional socks are readily supplied where necessary; for example, if the nature of the person's occupation calls for frequent changes. My information is that these arrangements meet the needs of pensioners satisfactorily. If the hon. Member has in mind a particular instance where further socks are required, I should be glad to look into it.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that amputees from Leicester have to travel to Nottingham for limb fittings or repairs; that there is accommodation available in Leicester for a limb-fitting centre; and if he will arrange for one to be opened in Leicester in the near future.

I am aware that patients from Leicester needing limb fittings and major repairs to limbs have to travel to Nottingham. At present, the number of these patients does not justify the attendance of surgeons, fitters and technicians at Leicester, but I am keeping the matter under review.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are 145 members of B.L.E.S.M.A. in Leicester and the county, apart from those who are not members, and, in view of the fact that, under the National Health Scheme, limbless civilians have to be attended to, does he not consider that it is high time that this important city of Leicester and its needs in this regard should have a centre in which they could be attended to?

No, Sir; I do not think it is high time, but I am keeping the matter under review and have called for a report.

In view of the serious conditions now prevailing, I have no alternative but to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the great increase in the cost of woollen clothing and the heavy wear on socks, trousers and shirts of artificial limbs, he will increase the clothing grants paid to amputees.

As I told the House in the debate on 16th February, this is one of a number of matters which I am examining. I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Will the Minister bear in mind the special hardship which that causes to men in industrial employment where there is wear on the outside of the clothes as well as on the inside from the artificial limbs?

Yes, Sir, we have that point in mind.