HC Deb 13 March 1961 vol 636 cc970-1
31. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to stimulate the recruitment of physiotherapists for the hospital services.

Mr. Powell

The number of students in training has increased substantially in recent years. From next autumn Ministry of Health bursaries will be available to new students.

Mr. Robinson

Would the Minister not agree, despite this improvement in recruiting, that there is still a serious shortage of physiotherapists? Would he not agree that this is largely due to their salary levels which are low even by National Health Service standards? Is he aware, for example, that many qualified physiotherapists receive less pay than equivalent clerical officers without any qualifications at all?

Mr. Powell

I do not think that that can be the limiting factor, because it is the number of students under training which is the limiting factor. As my hon. Friend told the House a little before, the number of students in training has very rapidly increased, and at the moment most of the schools are full, and there is a shortage of trainers for additional students.

Dame Irene Ward

Is my right hon. Friend aware that what the hon. Gentleman the Member for St. Pancras, North (Mr. K. Robinson) says is to a large extent true? Is he aware that physiotherapists are not at all satisfied either with their salary scales or with the methods of negotiating increases in those scales?

Mr. Powell

I understand that there is a proposal for a salary increase before the relevant Whitley Council at the moment.