HC Deb 01 May 1963 vol 676 c1068
31. Mr. Hill

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authorities in Scotland provide chiropodist treatment; and how many do not provide such treatment.

Mr. Noble

All local health authorities in Scotland have made arrangements to provide chiropody treatment for the elderly, twenty-five of them by employment of chiropists on a full-time or part-time basis and the remaining thirty by agreement with voluntary organisations.

Mr. Hill

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that Answer, may I ask whether it would not be better if they were all employed full-time in providing this necessary service for the old people who cannot afford to go to the ordinary practitioner, thereby making sure that they are all covered by this service, which they cannot afford out of their miserable pensions? Will the Secretary of State carry out this suggestion?

Mr. Noble

I will certainly look into it. The local authorities are, however, providing a very good service and I have heard no complaints of failure in dealing with the elderly.