§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services in how many places in the United Kingdom degree courses are available in physiotherapy and occupational therapy; when he expects the number of courses and students to be increased; what is his policy on training for these professions for rehabilitation medicine; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenThe general pattern of training in both physiotherapy and occupational therapy is that students undergo three-year training courses leading to a diploma recognised by the appropriate board of the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine as meeting the requirements for state registration.
First degree courses in physiotherapy are available in London, Glasgow and Northern Ireland. Proposals are under consideration for a further two courses in London and there are tentative plans in other centres, but it is riot possible to say when any new course is likely to begin. There are no first degree courses in occupational therapy in the United Kingdom and approval has not been given for any course to be established.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science and I are not convinced that there is a case for an all-graduate status for the physiotherapy and occupational therapy professions. We support in principle the case for a small nucleus of graduates who could specialise in particular fields such as teaching, research and in developing clinical work. This may, however, be most readily achieved through post-registration courses.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many chairs in rehabilitation are currently (a) established and (b) filled in Great Britain; if Her Majesty's Government will fund a new chair in rehabilitation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenThere are at present two chairs in rehabilitation in Great Britain of which the one at the University of Edinburgh is filled. The Europe chair at the University of Southampton, established in 1973 with a Government grant to mark our entry into the European Community, has been vacant for some time. I understand that appointment may be made shortly. The filling of this post, for which the Department has agreed in principle to provide financial support, will provide a valuable stimulus to rehabilitation practice. We have no plans for funding additional chairs in rehabilitation.