§ 53. Mr. C. Hughesasked the Minister of Health how many orthoptists are now employed under the National Health Service; by how many this figure falls short of the number required to provide an adequate service in all regions; and what steps he is taking to make good the shortage.
§ Mr. BraineThe whole-time equivalent of 209 were employed on 30th September, 1963. I regret that the information about vacancies is not available. The training is being re-organised to enable the number of students to be increased.