§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will make a statement on the effects of staff shortages on the chiropody service; and what action she proposes to take to ensure that regular treatment is available for the elderly.
§ Dr. OwenI would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Swindon (Mr. Stoddart), on 7th May.—[Vol. 873, c.90.] I recognise that in some areas chiropody services are less than adequate at present, but the long-term objective is to expand and improve services to acceptable standards in all areas as manpower and other resources permit. For the time being area 425W health authorities have been asked to continue to restrict treatment to existing priority groups, including the elderly. Arangements for the treatment of elderly and other patients are a matter for individual area health authorities.