§ 2. Mr. Bairdasked the Minister of Education when he expects to be able to make a public decision on the recent application by dentists in the public service for an interim increase in salary.
§ Mr. TomlinsonI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to dental officers employed in the School Health Service under local education authorities. It is not for me, but for the local authorities in the first instance, to consider the application made on behalf of the dental officers for an interim review of their salaries, and I am not in a position to say when any decision on the matter will be reached.
§ Mr. BairdHas the right hon. Gentleman received any representations by dentists in the public service?
§ Mr. TomlinsonI have had representations but I have not felt it incumbent upon me to meet the representations so far as I was personally concerned in my position as Minister, believing that it is for the local authorities first to meet them.