§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he is aware that in the magazine Physiotherapy dated October 1973 there were 471 posts advertised, including 286 in basic grades and 79W 157 in senior grades; and what steps he is taking to end this shortage;
(2) how many National Health Service hospitals have no facilities for physiotherapy; how many have such facilities but no physiotherapists; how many with such facilities do not have a full complement of physiotherapists; and if he is satisfied with the current situation.
§ Mr. AlisonIt is a normal practice or hospital authorities to advertise in the relevant professional journals for staff required to enable services to be brought up to the level they deem appropriate, or to replace staff who are retiring. While I do not regard numbers of advertisements as a reliable means of assessing service needs I am aware that many authorities would like to recruit more physiotherapists. I regret that the information requested by the hon. Member on physiotherapy facilities is not available centrally, but I am anxious to study both the current situation and the problem of recruitment in the light of the views of the small working party which has just reported to me on the future rôle of the remedial professions.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the qualifications for a physiotherapist; what is the starting salary; and what is the maximum salary in the basic grades.
§ Mr. AlisonState registration is a normal condition of employment as a physiotherapist is the National Health Service. The Physiotherapists Board currently requires the satisfactory completion of a three-year full-time course based on the syllabus laid down by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy as a qualification for registration. With effect from 1st April 1973 the minimum of the basic grade salary is £1,212 and the maximum £1,542.