asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied with the supply of artificial limbs to National Health Service patients in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

In general the arrangements for the supply of artificial limbs to National Health Service patients in Scotland are working well. There have been some difficulties in particular cases and delivery periods have been longer than my right hon. Friend would have liked. Considerable efforts are being made to improve this, and my right hon. Friend will not be satisfied until these efforts have been successful.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the considerable delays in the Edinburgh area in particular—part of which he represents—and also in certain of the smaller burghs in the west of Scotland, one of which I represent? Is he further aware that delay applies especially to surgical boots? Is he also aware of the concern that the delays are caused because so few firms supply these articles? Will he look at the question of the near monopoly position as being perhaps the reason for the delays?

I am aware of the case which the hon. Gentleman has in mind. It arose in my constituency and naturally I took particular interest. I will look into the question of surgical boots, but since 1961 their supply has improved considerably. My right hon. Friend will naturally go on doing his best.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind the good work done by the Princess Louise Scottish Hospital in the construction of surgical boots and remember that its order book is never wholly full?

I will take note of that.