§ Mr. Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the waiting period for chiropody in Dundee and Scotland, respectively, and if he is satisfied with the availability of chiropodists under the National Health Service.
§ Mr. John MacKayInformation on waiting times for chiropody is not held centrally and it is for each health board to decide on the level of service to be provided locally. Chiropodists in the NHS in Scotland cater well for the priority groups—the elderly, children, the handicapped, and expectant mothers.
We are, however, taking steps to improve the provision of chiropody services by increasing the intake of students into established courses.
§ Mr. Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further progress has been made on the improvement of chiropody services in Tayside and the possibility of establishing a new school of chiropody in the region.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe number of chiropodists employed within the National Health Service in Tayside146W has shown a small increase in recent years. Their numbers compare favourably with other areas of Scotland and the provision in Tayside is above the national average.
The establishment of a new school of chiropody in Tayside is now unlikely: the Edinburgh school will probably increase its student intake by 30 per cent. in 1985 and the Glasgow school is also expected to increase its intake in due course.