HC Deb 01 July 1980 vol 987 cc494-5W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action is being taken by his Department to increase the numbers of qualified chiropodists in England; what need there is for the training of more chiropodists; and if he will make a statement.

Sir George Young

I refer the hon. Member to my replies to the hon. Member for Ashfield (Mr. Hayes) on 23 May and the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Foulkes) on 3 June.—[Vol. 985, c.464; Vol. 985, c. 621–22.]

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average waiting time for chiropody treatment in each area health authority; what ambulance services are needed for such treatment; and if he will make a statement.

Sir George Young

Information on waiting times for chiropody treatment is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate expense. It is for individual health authorities to decide whether to use ambulances or other forms of transport to bring incapacitated patients to central clinics for chiropody treatment, or to take the service to the patients by means of mobile clinics or domiciliary visits.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the cost to the area for which he is responsible of inadequate chiropody services; what action is being taken to improve the service; and if he will make a statement.

Sir George Young

Information to answer the first part of the question is not available. On the second part, I refer the hon. Member to my replies to the hon. Member for Ashfield (Mr. Hayes) on 23 May and the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Foulkes) on 3 June.—[Vol. 985 c.464; Vol. 985, c. 621–22.]