HC Deb 21 May 1953 vol 515 cc2230-1
7. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Health why he proposes to disregard the recommendations of the Cope Committee regarding the employment of physiotherapists in hospitals.

Mr. Iain Macleod

In making regulations prescribing qualifications for medical auxiliaries for employment in the National Health Service, I propose to have full regard to the recommendations of the Cope Committee, except that, for the reason I gave in my reply on 19th March to the hon. and learned Member for Gloucester (Mr. Turner-Samuels), there will be no statutory registration.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that the issue of first importance is to ensure provision of the proper standard of care in these cases? Is there not a danger that if the Cope Committee's recommendations are not fully carried out, there may be a reduction in the standard of care? Is not that the Minister's prime responsibility?

Mr. Macleod

No. The first qualification is whether a person is sufficiently trained and experienced for this work, and not whether he does or does not belong to any particular association.

Mr. Blenkinsop

I fully agree with what the Minister says about belonging to a particular association. But would he agree that there is a considerable difference between a three months' course of training and one of three years, and that there is a danger if he allows physiotherapists with no more than three months' training, to be appointed?

Mr. Macleod

I agree that there is a difference between a three months' and a three years' period. But I have had regard to these matters and to the full recommendations of the Cope Committee in my draft regulations, which, as the hon. Member knows, are now being circulated.

Sir H. Williams

On a point of order. According to the rules of the House, an hon. Member is supposed to take responsibility for the accuracy of his Question. As the hon. Member has put down a Question which was inaccurate, what penalty is imposed on him for being inaccurate?

Mr. Speaker

It is difficult to draw a precise definition between accuracy and inaccuracy, on the one hand, and differences of opinion, on the other hand.

Mr. Blenkinsop

May I say, Sir, that I see no inaccuracy in the Question that was on the Order Paper?