§ 63. Captain PLUGGEasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the fact that during 1717 the last year 4.429 per cent. of would-be recruits for the Army were refused on account of bad teeth; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the near future to improve the present arrangements in this country for maintaining in good condition the teeth of children and young persons?
§ Sir K. WOODAs regard the dental treatment of children, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which is being given to-day to his unstarred question on this subject by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education. The question of improving the arrangements for dental treatment of young persons will be considered in connection with the legislation which, as stated in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Royton (Mr. Sutcliffe) on 1st July, I hope to introduce for bringing these persons under medical supervision at an earlier age than at present.
§ Captain PLUGGEHas the attention of my right hon. Friend been called to the speech delivered by Sir George Newman before the British Dental Association this week in which he suggested that the National Health Insurance scheme should be amended so as to include adequate dental treatment, particularly for young persons?
§ Sir K. WOODA great deal has been done in that direction, and I hope to improve matters further by the legislation which I suggest.