§ 59. Mr. Hicksasked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the scale of dental fees payable to the dental profession under the National Health Insurance Scheme; and whether, in considering the dentists' claim for an increase, owing to the war, will he give full weight to the fact that about one-half of the fees, including any increase, falls directly upon the pockets of the working men and women of this country who themselves are bearing their share of the added financial burden cast upon them by the war?
§ Mr. ElliotA claim has been put forward by dentists for an increase of the scale of charges for the treatment of insured persons entitled to dental benefit under the National Health Insurance scheme. This claim was addressed to the Dental Benefit Council as the body responsible for advising my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself in the matter, and is now under consideration by the Council. As soon as the views of the Council have been received the matter will have our attention and all relevant considerations, including that referred to by the hon. Member, will be taken into account.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that if he grants an increase to dentists, panel doctors and officials will want to follow suit?
§ Mr. ElliotAll those considerations will be taken into account.