§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will make a statement on the future of the chiropody service;
(2) if he will make a statement on the future of the chiropody profession.
(3) if he will make a statement on the future of the chiropody profession.
(4) when he intends to reply to the questions tabled by the hon. Member for Bournemouth, East on the future of the chiropody services in January and February; and if he will give the reasons for the delay.
§ Mrs. CurrieWe have been considering various issues concerning chiropody in the light of the comments sought from health authorities on the Cartwright report on the chiropody needs of the elderly, "More Trouble with Feet", published in September 1986. I regret that this has led to a delay in replying to my hon. Friend's earlier questions. I hope shortly to do so more fully, but I should make it clear that, in the absence of agreement within the profession itself, we have no plans for legislation on the issue of protection of title. We have indicated in the White Paper "Promoting Better Health" that we see a place for chiropody within the primary care team in future.