§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action is being taken by his Department to increase the numbers of qualified chiropodists in Scotland; what need there is for the training of more chiropodists; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FairgrieveThe demand for trained chiropodists in Scotland is expected to increase in view of the contribution they can make to care and support of the elderly in the community. My Department is examining, in conjunction with health boards, how this demand can best be met within the resources available.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what is the average waiting time for chiropody treatment in each area health authority; what ambulance services are needed for such 460W treatment; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what is the cost to the area for which he is responsible, of inadequate chiropody services; what action is being taken to improve the services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FairgrieveInformation concerning waiting time for chiropody treatment is not held centrally. I do not regard the service as inadequate and have no reason to believe that members of the priority groups—the elderly, the disabled, expectant mothers and children of school age—are unable to obtain within a reasonable time, with ambulance transport if necessary, such chiropody treatment as is clinically necessary. Any improvements in the services are for health boards to consider in the light of other demands on the resources available to them.