HC Deb 01 February 1940 vol 356 cc1284-5W
Sir M. Sueter

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there exists a section of the Royal Army Medical Corps with properly trained chiropodists to look after the foot troubles of the troops; whether the medical director-general has conferred with the Joint Council of Chiropodists to ascertain their considered view on the best way to attend to the foot troubles of the troops; and whether he will consider forming an organised body to utilise existing establishments in towns in this country where chiropodial manipulative and massage treatment could be applied to members of His Majesty's Forces who require such relief, as such a scheme would employ hundreds of men and women who are experienced in such work, and considerably lighten the work of any section of the Royal Army Medical Corps, where such type of treatment is applied and necessary?

Sir V. Warrender

No chiropody section of the Royal Army Medical Corps exists. The treatment of foot defects in the Army is the responsibility of the regimental medical officer, and under his direction are the regimental chiropodist and the instructor in physical training. The former is trained normally by the medical officer, and the latter is trained in remedial treatment of foot defects at the Army School of Physical Training. Training of regimental chiropodists is at present being carried out in certain military hospitals in each Command, and further practical instruction is given under tire direction of unit medical officers. The Director-General Army Medical Services is discussing the whole question to-day with a deputation from the British Association of Chiropodists.