§ 43. Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Health to what extent the training schools for physiotherapists are fully staffed; whether training is available for all suitable applicants; and if he is satisfied that there are sufficient training facilities available to provide the personnel required by the National Health Service.
§ Mr. LoughlinThe schools reported shortages totalling 26 teachers in September but calculations were not on a uniform basis: there are more applicants with the minimum qualifications for training than there are places in schools, but an increase of 10 per cent. in the number of teachers last year was accompanied by an increase in the number of students, which I expect to continue. There are shortages of physiotherapists, but the number employed in hospitals increased last year from 4,009 to 4,098 in whole-time equivalents.
§ Dame Irene WardCan the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the Answer to my Question will satisfy the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists? In view of the shortages and difficulties involved in the make-up of a profession supplementary to medicine, has the hon. Gentleman personally consulted the Chartered Society? I ask, because I notice that a Question about the Royal College was answered by the Minister—[interruption.] —and a Question about the Chartered Society by the Parliamentary Secretary. Has he consulted the Chartered Society—[Interruption.]—and if hon. Members go on shouting, I will go on shouting—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The hon. Lady has asked enough. Mr. Loughlin.
§ Mr. LoughlinThe hon. Lady has asked enough but, unfortunately, I did not hear half of it. My reply to her is that whether the Association will agree with my answer is of no consequence to me in this context—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—in this context, because I was not asked that question. I was asked to supply the hon. Lady with information, which I did.