HC Deb 06 March 1952 vol 497 cc643-4
38. Miss Bacon

asked the Minister of Education what steps she is taking to ensure that local authorities do not economise by cutting down the school dental services.

Miss Horsbrugh

I have made my policy clear in Circular 242 and I have no reason to think that further steps are required.

Miss Bacon

Is the right hon. Lady not aware that, although she has asked local authorities to make a cut of 5 per cent., and although she has asked that the essential fabric of education shall not be impaired, the various answers she has given to Questions this afternoon show that in fact she has no real power to ensure that those essential services are not impaired?

Miss Horsbrugh

I do not quite know what the question is, but perhaps I might answer the inferred question, "Have I any power?" My answer to that would be "Yes," and I have already exercised it in connection with some nursery schools in certain areas. I have not yet received the estimates of the local authorities, but I shall receive them, I think, in April.