HC Deb 03 April 1947 vol 435 cc2224-5
84. Mr. Baird

asked the Minister of Health if dentists employed in the public service are eligible to serve on the local dental committees being set up under the national health Acts.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Aneurin Bevan)

Yes, Sir, subject to the terms of employment in any particular case, though they would, no doubt, as an act of courtesy, seek the consent of the employing authority. It is my hope that these committees will be fully representative of dentists in the localities, and I trust that no unnecessary obstacles will be raised.

Mr. Baird

Is it the case that the meetings which elected these committees were called by the secretaries of the local insurance committees on the instructions of the Minister? Is it a fact that the conveners of these meetings did, in certain instances, state that public dental officers were ineligible to serve on local dental committees, and were, in fact, disfranchised, and will my right hon. Friend take steps to declare those elections null and void?

Mr. Bevan

If my hon. Friend will give me particulars, I will see what I can do to be of assistance.