§ 28. Miss Burtonasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that many old age pensioners cannot afford the necessary chiropody treatment even where this may be offered at a reduced charge; and if he will consider providing chiropody services as part of the National Health Service.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Patricia Hornsby-Smith)My right hon. Friend regrets that under present circumstances it is not possible to extend the limited chiropody service available under the National Health Service.
§ Miss BurtonIs the hon. Lady aware that the Coventry central committee for old people's welfare feel that for old people chiropody is as important as dental or medical treatment? Is she further aware that although some reduction of the charge has been made in Coventry, it does not cover all old age pensioners? Will she look into the matter again?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithI agree that this is a service which, if the finance were available, we should like to be able to provide. I accept the very real benefit of this service to old age pensioners where it is available. But the hon. Lady is aware of the many claims for the extension of existing priority services, and in the present limited economic circumstances we do not think it possible to extend a new service, especially when many other schemes for priority services. 556 which are often suggested by hon. Members on both sides of the House, still remain unfulfilled.