§ 47. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that many old people who are too ill to leave their homes suffer much pain and discomfort 30 from corns and callosities on their feet that grow rapidly and give increased trouble under these conditions; and what treatment is available under the National Health Service for such cases.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithMy right hon. Friend well realises the value of chiropody treatment for these and other old people. At present limited facilities are available at hospitals or in certain areas at local authority clinics.
§ Mr. HastingsDoes the hon. Lady realise the parlous condition of these old people? Their feet give them so much trouble that they cannot go out. Perhaps one visit to their home by a chiropodist would put the trouble right. Does the hon. Lady realise that the position of old people is very different from that of younger people in this respect?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithThe provision of a domiciliary chiropody service would certainly entail considerable expense, and, although we have every sympathy, we have not yet been able to find the necessary financial means to include this service in our programme.