HL Deb 21 November 1967 vol 286 cc899-900

2.36 p.m.

LORD FRASER OF LONSDALE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will state how many physiotherapists are employed in National Health Service hospitals and how far this number is short of establishment.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (LORD KENNET)

My Lords, the latest figures available show that on September 30 last year the equivalent of 4,229 whole-time physiotherapists were employed in National Health Service hospitals in England and Wales, an increase of over 3 per cent. on the preceding year. Because the prescribing of physiotherapy by doctors varies so widely no generally accepted staffing standards have been devised and there is no national establishment figure that would enable a meaningful estimate of shortage to be made. More physiotherapists are needed, however, and measures have been taken to expand training facilities, to encourage the employment of physiotherapists who are only able to work part-time, and to promote the more effective deployment of available staff.

LORD FRASER OF LONSDALE

My Lords, are there not a number of well-qualified and well-equipped physiotherapists in private practice all over the country? While waiting for the establishment to be filled, might not their services be used by recommending that patients should go to them, thereby encouraging fuller employment, avoiding waste and avoiding waiting lists?

LORD KENNET

My Lords, I will draw to the attention of my right honourable friend what the noble Lord has said. However, not all patients would be able to pay for the services of private physiotherapists. That might be a difficulty.

BARONESS SUMMERSKILL

My Lords, could the noble Lord say what is the commencing salary of a physiotherapist under the National Health Service?

LORD KENNET

My Lords, it is £700 per annum.

BARONESS SUMMERSKILL

Is the noble Lord aware that in industry the commencing wage for unskilled men is much higher than that?

LORD KENNET

Yes, my Lords.