HC Deb 09 November 1973 vol 863 cc279-80W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in the light of the recommendations in the Tunbridge Report on Rehabilitation, what steps are being taken to increase the number of physiotherapists in the National Health Service.

Mr. Alison

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Walthamstow, West (Mr. Deakins) on 5th November.—[Vol. 863, c.78–9.]

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the number of physiotherapists at the latest available date who are employed in each of the National Health Service grades and the salary scales attached to those grades.

Mr. Alison

The numbers of physiotherapists (whole-time equivalent) employed by hospital authorities in England and Wales at 1st December 1969, together with the current salary scales, are as follows:

Grade Number employed (WTE) Salary scale (w.e.f. 1st April 1973) £
Basic 2,304 1,212–1,542
Senior 1,152 1,395–1,803
Superintendent I 173 1,491–1,878
Superintendent II 208 1,617–2,007
Superintendent III 103 1,743–2,223
Superintendent IV 63 1,872–2,499
Superintendent V 24 2,058–2,820
Assistant Superintendent I 141 1,440–1,824
Assistant Superintendent II 81 1,491–1,878
Student Teacher 31 1,314–1,542
Teacher 80 1,971–2,559
Assistant Principal 24 2,004–2,607
Principal I 6 2,307–2,943
Principal II 17 2,436–3,183

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the relative costs of employing a basic grade physiotherapist and obtaining the services of an agency physiotherapist.

Mr. Alison

I am not aware that agency physiotherapists are employed on any scale by hospital authorities and information about costs is not available centrally.