§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is taking to improve access to chiropody services. [182821]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Government have taken action to increase numbers of chiropodists working in the national health service and entering training. Between 1997 and 2003, the number of qualified chiropodists employed in the NHS has increased by 16 per cent. and between 1999–2000 and 2003–04, the number of students entering training has increased by 33 per cent. Further increases in the NHS chiropody workforce are 163W expected as a result of the "Delivering the NHS Plan" forecast for 30,000 more therapists and scientists by 2008 than there were in 2001.