§ 65. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the increase in the practice of osteopathy in this country; and whether he will institute an inquiry into the principles and practice of osteopathy, with a view to the protection of the public from treatment by untrained practitioners?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREMy right hon. Friend has considered this matter, but as indicated in the reply given to the hon. Member for East Dorset (Mr. Hall-Caine) on the 30th November, he does not think that an inquiry on the lines suggested would serve any public interest.
§ Sir W. DAVISONDoes not the hon. Gentleman realise the danger to the public of having unqualified practitioners in this skilful art; and does he not think it desirable that these gentleman should form their own college in order to give certificates to people whom they consider qualified to practise?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREI do not know of any more harm to the public in allowing the practice of osteopathy than there is by allowing the practice of unqualified medical practitioners. That is the present position of the law.