§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on developments arising from his consideration of the disabilities study unit report on the orthopaedic footwear industry.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisMy officials have had very full and useful discussions with Duncan Guthrie, the Director of the Disabilities Study Unit, and with representatives of the Footwear Industry Training Board and the British Surgical Trades Association, on the general state of the444W Industry and in particular its training arrangements. The Industry Training Board has convened a working party, including representatives of the firms manufacturing surgical footwear for the National Health Service, which is actively seeking to co-ordinate and extend training facilities. My Department is also represented on the working party and will keep in close touch with developments. Assurances have been given to the working party that my Department will give all possible encouragement and support.