§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received about the adequacy of the chiropody service in the Woking area; and what action is being taken to improve the situation.
§ Mr. Deakins:None, but I am well aware of the problems health authorities face in providing a comprehensive chiropody service, not only in the Woking area, but throughout the country. These are largely the result of a shortage of manpower, and my Department is taking a number of initiatives to overcome this, and is pursuing with the other bodies concerned the possibility of increasing the training facilities available. Meanwhile we are encouraging authorities to concentrate existing resources on priority groups such as the elderly.