HC Deb 04 May 1964 vol 694 cc901-2
20. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Health what action he is now taking to increase the number of qualified physiotherapists.

Mr. Braine

There is a shortage of teachers and my right hon. Friend is considering a change in the system of training physiotherapy teachers in order to increase their numbers.

Mr. Wall

Besides the question of teachers, does my hon. Friend believe that an increase in middle-grade salaries might serve to check the wastage among women physiotherapists?

Mr. Braine

Shortage of teachers has been the limiting factor. Since 1961, we have given financial assistance to all students assessed on the same basis as grants to university first-degree students. As my hon. Friend knows, salaries are a matter for the appropriate Whitley Council. An agreement reached in January 1963 gave all physiotherapists increases of at least 7½ per cent. from 1st July, 1962. Higher increases were designed to improve career prospects and to help the recruiting of teachers. There was a further 3 per cent. general increase from 1st July last year. It is too soon yet to assess the result of these improvements.

Mrs. Slater

Can the Minister say whether he still hires these people through a private firm rather than employing them direct?

Mr. Braine

Not without notice.