HC Deb 31 May 1965 vol 713 cc1165-6
14. Mr. Ioan L. Evans

asked the Minister of Health what further consideration has has given to the suggestion that steps be taken to publicise the dangers of foot deformities through the wearing of pointed shoes by young people; and what has been the outcome of his consultation on this matter with the Secretary of State for Education and Science.

Mr. Loughlin

I have nothing at present to add to my reply to my hon. Friend on 5th April.

Sir Knox Cunningham

Has the hon. Gentleman any information about the wearing of pointed shoes in the Middle Ages? Is the danger not rather a matter of wearing shoes which are too small than of a particular shape?

Mr. Loughlin

I should not like to get involved in a discussion about what people wore in the Middle Ages. But if the hon. Gentleman means the middle age in normal life, my advice—I have to be guided by my advice—is that most of the deformities take place through the wrong type of shoes being worn before the age of 16. There is a working party studying the problem. After it has reported we may be able to give the House much more information about the matter.

Mr. Evans

Does my hon. Friend realise in relation to what he has said that it is recognised that it is due not only to ill-fitting shoes but to badly-designed shoes? Will he in his consultation with the Secretary of State for Education and Science consider the possibility of giving chiropodists access to schools and school clinics so that younger childen can be informed about the dangers that they are laying up for themselves through wearing ill-fitting shoes?

Mr. Loughlin

The suggestion that we should give chiropodists access to the schools is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science. My hon. Friend may be pleased to learn that the working party will include representatives from the Consumer Council, the trade research organisation and the British Medical Association. I feel sure that all aspects of the problem will be considered.

Mr. Kenneth Lewis

Will the hon. Member say whether this is a working party or a walking party? Would it be a good idea to include some Members of Parliament in it in view of the number of Divisions which we are having on the Finance Bill?