§ 8. Sir H. Lucas-Toothasked the Minister of Health what was the annual intake of dental schools in the years 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949 and 1950, respectively.
§ Mr. MarquandThe figures are 641. 654, 662, 611 and 606 respectively.
§ Sir H. Lucas-ToothIn view of the recent decrease in numbers how long does the right hon. Gentleman think it will be before there is an adequate number of dentists in the country?
§ Mr. MarquandThe recent decrease is explained by the fact that during the war 1737 there was a lowered intake and, therefore, in the first few years after the war it was possible to increase the entry. It is now necessary to get a balance, and the numbers have been slightly reduced. I agree that the total intake is not satisfactory in the country as a whole.