HC Deb 09 December 1926 vol 200 cc2272-3
28. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that several large approved societies in Lancashire, providing dental benefit for their members, have refused to adopt the scale of fees and conditions of service as agreed upon by the Dental Benefit Joint Committee; that a considerable number of dentists have indicated their willingness to continue to do the work on the old scale of fees; that the Public Dental Service Association has in consequence informed such dentists that they are liable to be struck off the dental register by the Joint Dental Board; and what action does he propose to take in this matter?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am aware that a few approved societies in Lancashire and elsewhere are still reluctant to adopt the new scale of fees and conditions of service for dental benefit, and that some of them claim that they have obtained from a number of dentists an indication of willingness to accept a lower scale of fees. The opposition to the new scale is, however, daily growing less as the advantages of the new arrangements drawn up by the Dental Benefit Joint Committee become more fully appreciated. As regards the third part of the question, I am informed that the Public Dental Service Association has called the attention or dentists to a warning notice issued by the Dental Board against anything in the nature of cavassing by or on behalf of dentists with a view to securing work by an offer to accept fees below those of the new agreed scale. I do not think that the circumstances call for any action on my part.

Mr. DAVIES

In view of the fact that some of the Societies decline to operate the new Scale, does the right hon. Gentleman not think it would be better to call the parties together again, to see whether they can come to some agreement?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

An agreement has already been reached.

Mr. MACLEAN

Is it not the ease that when the Dentists Bill was before this House it brought within its scope the unqualified dentists, and certain things were laid down in regard to the increase in the price of dentistry that might arise subsequently?