§ 4. Mr. Mitchisonasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that orthodontic treatment is not provided under the National Health Service either by any dentist in Kettering or by the Kettering General Hospital or the Northampton General Hospital; what facilities are available for this treatment under the National Health Service within Northamptonshire; and what steps he proposes to take to provide or increase such facilities in the county and in Kettering for children and others.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI understand that several dentists in Kettering are prepared to provide orthodontic treatment under the general dental services. The regional hospital board is considering extending hospital facilities.
§ Mr. MitchisonIs the Minister aware that none of the Kettering dentists provide treatment under the Health Service, largely because of their resentment at certain delays of the Dental Estimates Board? Is he aware that there is no doubt whatever that under the Health Service the dentists, the Kettering General Hospital and the Northampton General Hospital will not provide this very necessary treatment? Is he aware—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."]—that the teeth and the general health of the children are suffering in consequence and will he provide for dental consultation and work to be done at one or other of these hospitals?
§ Mr. MacleodI have access to the records of the Dental Estimates Board. Up to a dozen dentists in Kettering alone have submitted estimates of orthodontic treatment, which makes nonsense of what the hon. and learned Member says.
§ Mr. Mitchison rose——
§ Mr. SpeakerIn the interests of hon. Members who have Questions on the Order Paper may I make an appeal for short supplementary questions?