§ Mrs. Shirley Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what increase there has been in the number of clinics treating those suffering from venereal disease between June, 1965 and June, 1970; and what increase there has been in the number of medically qualified staff, other than general practitioners, employed in treating venereal diseases.
§ Mr. AlisonInformation is not available in the precise form requested. Between 1966 and July, 1970, there was a small decrease in the number of clinic premises in England and Wales from 210 to 203.
Between 30th September, 1965, and 30th September, 1969, the total number of doctors working in the specialty in England and Wales expressed in whole-time equivalents rose from 117 to 132. The number of consultants remained almost constant during this period and the increase is accounted for mainly by registrars and general practitioners undertaking hospital sessions. Expansion at consultant level is hindered by a lack of young doctors training in the specialty. The Department has made special arrangements in recent months to increase the number of training posts, including providing special funds for such posts.