HC Deb 28 July 1982 vol 28 cc552-3W
Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he proposes to introduce legislation to license persons practising chiropody in the private sector to those suitably qualified.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

No. We are, however, considering with other United Kingdom health Ministers, in the light of recent consultation on proposals for closure of certain professions, whether to restrict the use of the title "chiropodist" to those suitably qualified.

Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he proposes to take to expand training and treatment in chiropody and assess the needs of the elderly in the light of demographic forecasts.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I refer the hon. Member to my hon. Friends' answers to the hon. Member for Eccles (Mr. Carter-Jones) on 13 July 1982—[Vol. 27, c.379]—and on 31 July 1980—[Vol. 989, c. 832–33]—and to the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Foulkes) on 3 June 1980.—[Vol. 985, c. 621–22.] Of the two schools approved by the Chiropodists Board, that at Plymouth was opened in 1980 and that in East Sussex will open later this year. Plans for a school for the Wessex region are being prepared. Discussions are continuing with professional and statutory bodies on ways of achieving a further increase in training opportunities.

Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what qualification is needed for a chiropodist to be employed in the National Health Service; and if the same requirement applies to those employed by social services departments.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Employment in the National Health Service as a chiropodist is open to those who satisfy the requirements for state registration laid down by the Chiropodists Board, an independent statutory body established by the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1960. Various qualifications are recognised for this purpose, but the most common is the successful completion of a three-year course of full-time training at an approved school of chiropody. Chiropodists employed by social services departments were transferred to the National Health Service under the National Health Service Reorganisation Act 1973.