HC Deb 25 June 1951 vol 489 cc1128-9

10.1 p.m.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Blenkinsop)

I beg to move: That the Draft National Health Service (Superannuation) (Amendment) (No. 1) Regulations, 1951, a copy of which was laid before this House on 31st May, be approved. These Draft Superannuation Regulations make changes needed by the introduction of charges for dentures. They ensure that the dentists' remuneration includes what he receives from patients under the Act as well as from the Executive Council, which retains the status quo as far as the Superannuation Regulations are concerned.

Lieut.-Colonel Elliot (Glasgow, Kelvingrove)

I understand these Regulations are consequential upon matters which have already been dealt with. The Parliamentary Secretary was perhaps extremely compact in the explanation he gave but I think we could allow these Regulations to go through.

Dr. Hill (Luton)

Clearly these Regulations are desirable. They do not, of course, deal correspondingly with those who are rendering ophthalmic service, for the obvious reason that supplemental ophthalmic service is not subject to superannuation provisions.

Mr. Blenkinsop

The particular wording we have to correct applies only to dentists. That correction is not needed so far as ophthalmic opticians are concerned because in their case the term "remuneration" already covers this type of income. In the past the word "remuneration" was more narrowly interpreted in the case of dentists.

Dr. Hill

There is no superannuation provision for the oculist—

Mr. Speaker

Under these Regulations that is out of order.

Resolved:

Draft National Health Service (Scotland) (Superannuation) Amendment Regulations, 1951, a copy of which was laid before this House on 31st May. approved.—[The Lord Advocate.]