HC Deb 26 July 1956 vol 557 cc622-3
26. Mr. Hastings

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to a statement in "Careers Guide", April, 1956, an official publication of his Department, that the only training accepted as leading to a suitable qualification for inclusion in the British Register of Medical Auxiliaries is that approved by the Society of Chiropodists; whether he is also aware that the Institute of Chiropodists, formerly the Joint Council, and the Society of Chiropodists are mentioned as appropriate bodies in the National Health Service Medical Auxiliaries Regulation, 1954, and that the qualifications awarded by both bodies are generally regarded as of equal value; and what action he proposes to take to correct this mis-statement.

Mr. Carr

The statement in the Guide is strictly correct. The complicated position in this profession might, however, have been more fully explained, and I will consider how best this information can be conveyed to the schools interested.

Mr. Hastings

Yes, but the right hon. Gentleman, as Minister of Health, decided, after careful study, that these two bodies were of equal esteem. How comes it that, as Minister of Labour, he takes a different view?

Mr. Carr

I am sure that my right hon. Friend does not take a different view. As I have said, the information in this booklet is strictly correct, but I will see what I can do to have it amplified and made more clear.

Mr. Hastings

Perhaps the Minister knows that the booklet says that only the Society of Chiropodists is a fit body, whereas, as was made clear in the statement of the Ministry of Health, both those bodies are regarded as of equal esteem. How can that possibly be?

Mr. Carr

This is one of the few cases where both of us can be right, or anyhow largely right. The British Register of Medical Auxiliaries is maintained by the British Medical Association, which recognises only the Society.