§ 15. Mr. Arthur Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if 296 he is satisfied with the number of speech therapists employed by hospitals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlisonThe present number in England and Wales is equivalent to 172 whole-time staff and represents an increase of over 35 per cent. between 1965 and 1970, but we are aware that more would be welcome in many places.
§ Mr. DavidsonI am most grateful to the Minister for that reply, but is he aware that the services and easy availability of speech therapists are vital to those who suffer from, for example, the appalling infirmity of having lost the voice box? Is he satisfied that there are sufficient full-time therapists and that, perhaps, too many hospitals are not having to augment them with part-time therapists, excellent though these people may be?
§ Mr. AlisonI note with sympathy the hon. Gentleman's reaction, but he will have noted that we are not satisfied that there are enough. The Committee of Inquiry into speech therapy services is expected to report towards the end of the year, and this will help us in assessing what further provision we should make.