HC Deb 05 May 1949 vol 464 cc1198-9
34. Mrs. Ridealgh

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider publishing within the area of the Executive Council, the names of dentists of whom it has been proved that they have refused to give emergency treatment to a National Health Service patient; and whether in persistent cases he will disallow such dentists from participating on a contract basis under the National Health Service.

Mr. Bevan

The simplified procedure for emergency cases which came into operation at the beginning of April should largely have removed the cause of these complaints. This procedure was used in over 16,000 cases in the last week of April.

Mrs. Ridealgh

Is the Minister aware that these cases are still arising and that complaints from my constituents are still being received? I have received a letter today giving three cases where the dentist has refused emergency treatment. Will not he do as I ask so that it may have some salutory effect upon dentists who are not carrying out their responsibility?

Mr. Bevan

I believe that, as the Service continues the dentists who are behaving in this way will act in accordance with the highest traditions of their profession. In the meantime, as the figures which I have given show, the practice of refusing to treat emergency cases is on a rapid decline.