§ Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, pending the report of the Halsbury Committee on the pay of nurses, midwives and others employed in the National Health Service, she will take interim steps designed to alleviate the shortage of chiropodists which is resulting in disabled people in Harlow and elsewhere being obliged to forgo necessary treatment.
§ Dr. OwenI am aware that there is a shortage of chiropodists in some areas. Priority is being given to the treatment of certain groups including disabled people and I am informed by the Essex Area Health Authority that no one in the priority groups in this area is having to forgo necessary treatment.
Lord Halsbury's inquiry which is currently reviewing the pay and conditions of service of nurses and midwives and eight other National Health Service professions including chiropodists expects to produce its final report on nurses and midwives and recommendations for interim payments to the other professions during the week commencing 16th September 1974. Increases in pay arising from the inquiry will be back-dated to 23rd May 1974.