Written question asked by John Baron (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 2003. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Thursday, 20 November 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of variations in provision of NHS (a) chiropody and (b) podiatry in different regions of England; what plans he has to encourage the greater use of podiatric surgeons; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of variations in provision of NHS (a) chiropody and (b) podiatry in different regions of England; [140180] (2) what plans he has to encourage the greater use of podiatric surgeons; and if he will make a statement. [140181] Dr. Ladyman: It is for primary care trusts to assess the health needs of their local community, and the need for particular services in their locality, and to make such arrangements as they consider appropriate using the resources which are made available to them for this purpose.

Secondary information