§ 3. Mr. Norman Bowerasked the Minister of National Insurance if, in those cases in which dentists refused to accept dental letters issued by approved societies, owing to the dispute over the scale 1110 of fees, the persons concerned were consequently compelled to incur expenses in obtaining dental treatment, he will allow approved societies to refund the amount of such expenses.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsThe arrangements for the provision of dental benefit are based on individual contracts entered into in accordance with statutory Regulations before the work is started. I have considered the hon. Member's suggestion, but, as he has already been advised by letter, I could not amend the Regulations to permit of payments in the circum stances contemplated without under mining the basis on which this benefit is administered. In any case such an amendment of the Regulations could not have retrospective effect.