§ Mr. BaronTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many whole-time equivalent(a) occupational therapists, (b) ophthalmologists, (c) opticians, (d) physiotherapists, (e) chiropodists, (f) dieticians, (g) music therapists and (h) drama therapists worked in the NHS in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [127022]
§ Mr. HuttonThe information requested is shown in the table.
Compared with 1998 there are now 20 per cent, more consultants in ophthalmology, 23 per cent, more occupational therapists, 17 per cent, more orthoptists and opticians, 16 per cent, more physiotherapists, 6 per cent, more chiropodists, 21 per cent, more dieticians and 15 per cent, more arts therapists.