§ 15. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Health what consideration has been given to providing chiropody treatment for elderly people; and with what result.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Patricia Hornsby-Smith)I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Sharpies) on 21st February.
§ Mr. DoddsI have read the answer, and I think it is most unsatisfactory. Will the Parliamentary Secretary ask her right hon. Friend to have another look at this matter, bearing in mind that foot troubles can quickly cripple people, whereas proper treatment can give a new lease of life? What financial assistance is given by the Government to local authorities who have introduced this system of treatment?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithAt present, the only local authorities who run the system are those which provided this service before 1948 and which were allowed to continue. There has not been an extension since then. My right hon. Friend studies all the problems in the Health 1698 Service, but it is a matter of priority, and other overriding priorities have prevented this additional financial obligation being undertaken.