HC Deb 06 August 1942 vol 382 cc1167-8
23. Mr. Hannah

asked the Minister of Health what public recognition is given to osteopaths; whether they are entitled to any of the rights accorded to the medical profession; and whether, in the event of their being liable to service, any use is made of their healing ability?

Mr. E. Brown

In view of the recommendations in the Report of the Select Committee of the House of Lords on the Osteopaths Registration and Regulation Bill of 1935, Parliament has not thought fit to confer any official recognition on osteopaths or to accord them any of the rights specially accorded to registered medical practitioners. I understand that the Services do not make use of the special manipulative technique of osteopaths.

Mr. Hannah

Does the right hon. Gentleman believe that osteopathy has any particular use in medicine or not?

Mr. Brown

Perhaps the hon. Member will look at the Select Committee's Report, which is very interesting, and he will see that the broad reason why they recommended against the Bill was that osteopaths have not a common body of doctrine.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the real reason is that the medical profession objected?

Mr. Brown

I wonder whether the hon. Member has read the Report.

Mr. Hall

I have.