§ 13. Sir Wavell Wakefieldasked the Minister of Health how many dentists are now operating the general dental service of the National Health Service; and what is the latest estimate of the annual cost of the general dental service.
§ Mr. BevanThere were 9,347 dentists on the dental lists in England and Wales on 1st May. The Ministry of Health Estimates, Class V (2), provide £28,204,000 for the cost of the general dental service in England and Wales.
§ Sir W. WakefieldThen how is it that this estimate is so much higher than the original estimate? Why was the original estimate so far out?
§ Mr. BevanI do not quite know to what the hon. Member is referring. If he is referring to the Supplementary Estimate which was debated, I thought that a full answer was given to the satisfaction of the Opposition at that time.