HC Deb 03 November 1949 vol 469 cc581-2
36. Mr. Edward Evans

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the dentists practising in Lowestoft and North-east Suffolk have withdrawn from the National Health Service Scheme; whether he will state the reasons for this withdrawal; whether he will give an assurance that negotiations are proceeding in order that dental services shall be restored; and what redress or alternative service is available for the public.

Mr. Bevan

I am aware that certain dentists in Lowestoft and Suffolk and in other areas decided not to accept fresh patients under the National Health Service following the reduction in the scale of dental fees in June last. In most areas affected wiser counsels have already prevailed and I hope that Lowestoft dentists will shortly follow this example.

Mr. Evans

Will my right hon. Friend say whether any active negotiation is going on between his Department and the dentists themselves, because there is growing resentment in my constituency at the attitude of the dentists in going out of the scheme? Is there any redress for people who are entitled to this service?

Mr. Bevan

I see no reason for negotiations. Negotiations have taken place between the representatives of the dentists and my Department. In some instances dentists were refusing to accept patients merely on account of the fact that they had plenty of patients waiting, and after they had worked off their waiting lists their resistance to the National Health Service declined.

Colonel Stoddart-Scott

In how many other parts of England and Wales are no dental services available for persons who belong to the National Health scheme?

Mr. Bevan

I cannot say at the moment, but if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put down a question I will certainly give him an answer.

Mr. W. R. Williams

Will my right hon. Friend make it clear to the dentists that if they voluntarily come out of the scheme at the present time when we are in these difficulties, the question of their coming back later on will be very problematical?

Mr. Bevan

I am afraid that I have no legal power to refuse to accept into the scheme a dentist who is qualified. I hope that these dentists will realise that their first duty is to their patients.