§ 67. Mr. Somerville Hastingsasked the Minister of Health when he now expects to receive the Report of the Spens Committee on the remuneration of dental surgeons under the National Health Service Act; and whether, in view of the near approach of the appointed day and the anxiety of those concerned, he will draw the attention of the Committee to the urgency of the matter.
§ Mr. BevanMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I hope to receive this Committee's Report about the end of April. The chairman is very much alive to the urgency of the problem.
§ 75. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Health whether he has yet been able to form any estimate as to what percentage of the population will be able, within the next year or so, to obtain a full and free dental service under the National Health Act; how many more dentists and dental mechanics are required before this service can be regarded as complete; and what progress has been made so far in implementing plans for the necesary increased output of skilled manpower.
§ Mr. BevanOpinions vary and I am afraid I cannot give the figures my hon. Friend requires. But the dental schools are more than full and training facilities are being extended as circumstances permit.
§ Mr. JannerCan my right hon. Friend say what steps are being taken with regard to the training of dental mechanics and what their position will be in this matter?