§ Dr. Mawhinneyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services who may use the title chiropodist; and if he is satisfied that all who use that title are qualified to give the service implied by the title.
§ Sir George YoungMy right hon. Friend is currently considering proposals which would require amendment of26W persons claiming and receiving unemployment and social welfare benefits at the latest and most convenient stated date and similar details for a year ago.
§ Mr. ChalkerThe information is as follows:
the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1960 so that the title "chiropodist", and other professional titles within the scope of the Act, could be limited to those with suitable prior training and experience. We shall shortly be consulting further the professions concerned, the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine and other interested parties on the detailed proposals, but have no further statement to make at this stage.
§ Dr. Mawhinneyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how much training his Department requires of an individual before it recognises him or her as a qualified chiropodist;
(2) if he will take the necessary steps to require those who wish to practise as chiropodists first to undergo a course of training and an examination acceptable to the profession.
§ Sir George YoungEmployment in the National Health Service as a chiropodist is open only to those who satisfy the requirements for State registration laid down by the Chiropodists Board, an independent statutory body established by the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1960. Various qualifications are recognised for this purpose, but the most common method of achieving State-registration is through a three-year course of full-time training at an approved school of chiropody. Outside the National Health Service, there are no statutory restrictions governing use of the title "chiropodist", though it is an offence falsely to claim to be State registered.