HC Deb 06 May 1952 vol 500 cc174-6
34. Mr. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent school dental officers in Scotland are fully-qualified dentists.

Mr. J. Stuart

All school dental officers in Scotland are fully-qualified dentists.

Mr. Ross

While thanking the Secretary of State for that reassurance, may I ask him if he can give the House some information about the eight girl students from Scotland who came to London to the Eastman Dental Clinic, and, according to his report, are returning to employment in the school dental service in Scotland? What exactly are they going to do when they get back?

Mr. Stuart

If the hon. Gentleman will let me have details, I will give him the information.

35. Mr. Manuel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the figures for the past year, to the nearest convenient date, of the number of children in Scotland who have had dental inspection at school; and the number who have not had dental inspection.

Mr. J. Stuart

The number of children inspected by school dental officers during the year ended 31st July, 1951, was 231,381. The number not inspected was 552,298.

Mr. Manuel

Is the Secretary of State aware that hon. and right hon. Gentlemen opposite, in the debate on the National Health Service Bill last week, were arguing that there had been a great augmentation to the school dental service, and that the figures which he has revealed show a deplorable lack of attention to the children's teeth in schools? Will he not direct the children and the authorities to use the general dental service under the Health Act?

Mr. Stuart

The number of dentists in this service has recently increased from 95 to 115, and I think there is reason to hope that it will improve; but it will take a number of years to build up a wholly efficient service.

Mr. Manuel

Is not the Secretary of State aware that more than half the school children in Scotland are not getting their teeth examined at all? Is he prepared to wait for a long number of years before children get dental treatment?

Mr. Stuart

If the hon. Gentleman will study the Dentists Bill he will realise that we hope to help to speed up this matter.