HC Deb 30 June 1953 vol 517 c186
20. Mr. Hannan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the Report of the Dental Advisory Committee on dental facilities in Scottish hospitals has now been considered; and what decisions have been reached.

Mr. J. Stuart

This Report, which was submitted before I took office, relates mainly to the long-term development of dental facilities in the Hospital Service. The limited resources available for hospital developments must, I am afraid, continue for some time to be devoted to more urgent matters, and accordingly decisions on specific recommendations in the Report would be premature.

Mr. Hannan

Will the right hon. Gentleman in his future consultations with the dental profession seek their cooperation in an effort not merely to provide these facilities for the patients at the hospitals but also to select a few hospitals on an area basis and make these facilities available for members of the general public who at night and at inconvenient hours require some treatment for the relief of pain?

Mr. Stuart

I assure the hon. Gentleman that I shall be glad to start consultations as soon as we are in a position to make some progress.