§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has so far received from local 104W health authorities under Section 19 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970; if he is satisfied with the extent to which chiropody services are available and used for the benefit of disabled persons under the age of 60 years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlisonInformation requested in accordance with Section 19 shows that local health authorities provided chiropody services for 18,660 physically handicapped or otherwise disabled persons under age 65 in 1971 and for 20,430 in 1972. Separate figures for persons under age 60 are not available. Priority in the chiropody services is given to the elderly, the physically handicapped and expectant mothers. In recent years there has been an increase in the total number of persons receiving these services, in the chiropodists employed and in students at schools of chiropody. There is certainly need to develop this service further and I am confident that it will continue to improve.