HC Deb 05 November 1979 vol 973 cc47-8W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has made any progress in the scheme with regard to the closure of the profession of chiropody by compulsory registration; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Vaughan

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Anglesey (Mr. Best) on 11 June.—[Vol. 968 c.96.]

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider the use of the surgeries of chiropodists for the purpose of chiropody treatment under the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.

Sir George Young

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the use of surgeries of private chiropodists. Area health authorities may already employ State registered chiropodists in private practice to undertake treatment of National Health Service patients on a fee per treatment basis in their own surgeries. In 1977, the latest year for which figures are available, 11.7 per cent. of all NHS chiropody treatments outside hospital were arranged in this way.