§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many chiropody students are currently in training; and what were the figures for 1978, 1975 and 1972.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergI shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many chiropodists are attached to regional health authorities; and what steps are being taken to encourage entrants into this profession.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergOn 30 September 1980, the latest date for which information is available, there were the equivalent of 2, 067 whole-time chiropodists in the National Health Service in England. There is no want of applicants for places in chiropody schools. Expansion of the profession is achieved mainly by an increase in the number of students qualifying.