HC Deb 11 November 1948 vol 457 cc1709-10
30. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Education what has been the effect on the school dental service of the introduction of the National Health scheme; and what steps he is taking to ensure the retention of sufficient dentists for the school dental services under the new arrangements.

Mr. Tomlinson

A good many school dentists are resigning to set up practice under the National Health Service and recruits are not coming forward to fill their place. In consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, I am giving close attention to the means of securing a settlement of the salaries of full-time dentists in the employment of local authorities.

Mr. Janner

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask whether he and his right hon. Friend the Minister of Health would pay particular attention to this priority service, particularly in view of the fact that this is the most important part of the dental service in the country?

Mr. Tomlinson

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Hastings

Is it not a fact that those dentists who leave the school service can make at least double the income outside, and is not the right course to raise the salaries of the school dentists?

Mr. Tomlinson

I think I intimated that that is the point to which we are giving attention.