§ 55. Mr. SCRYMGEOURasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that many of the approved societies have been unable to meet their liability for dental treatment under the National Health Insurance Act owing to increased charges; whether he is aware that such charges were negotiated with the dentists by the Scottish Board of Health without any consultation with any of the other interested parties; and whether, in view of the protests that are being made, he will reconsider the method of negotiation, and meantime suspend the present scale of charges?
§ Sir J. GILMOURDental treatment is not a statutory benefit, and approved societies are under no obligation to provide it, but they may do so if they have surplus funds available for the purpose. It is not the ease that the charges re-erred to were negotiated by the Scottish Board of Health. The scale was agreed by a Joint Dental Committee consisting of representatives of dentists and approved societies' interests. I have accordingly no power to take any action such as is suggested in the last part of the question.
§ Mr. SCRYMGEOURIs it not the case that under Section 75 of the Act of 1924, power lies with the societies to negotiate matters of this kind, and why did the Scottish Board of Health appoint two representatives notwithstanding the protest of the societies?
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask whether the procedure in this connection which applies to England is followed in Scotland; and, if not, will the right hon. Gentleman see that the Scottish Board of Health takes the initiative in calling the parties together in order to clear up these difficulties?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI understand that the Scottish Board of Health took the proper procedure before this conference, and that it was on exactly the same footing as that adopted in England.
§ Mr. SCRYMGEOURWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the specific question I have put?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI made very careful inquiries, and the Scottish Board of Health have no responsibility for the decision arrived at on this matter—no responsibility whatever.
§ Mr. SCRYMGEOURIs it not the cases that under Section 75 of the Act of 1924, the societies have the power to negotiate these matters by themselves, and why, therefore, was any such step taken?
§ Sir J. GILMOURMy information is that the proper procedure was followed, and if the hon. Gentleman has any further question to ask, perhaps he will put it down.