§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current length of waiting time for physiotherapy services in the Argyll and Clyde health board area; what plans he has to improve this waiting time; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StewartInformation on waiting times for physiotherapy services is not collected centrally. Argyll and Clyde health board has received an allocation of £244.7 million for 1994–95 which, together with efficiency savings, represents an increase of 7.1 per cent. over the general allocation in the previous year. It is for the health board to decide on how to use these resources to secure reductions in waiting times for physiotherapy services and other services. I understand that the board has increased the level of funding available for paramedical services, including physiotherapy services, for 1994–95 by £100,000; and in addition, a further sum of £105,000 has been allocated for staffing a pilot study of direct access by general practitioners to physiotherapy services in one part of the board's area.