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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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