§ 41. Mr. Harold Daviesasked the Minister of Education if she is aware of the shortage of school dental services for the schools in and around Leek; and whether she will arrange for a better dental service for the children in these schools.
§ Miss HorsbrughThe answer to the first part of the Question is, "Yes, Sir," but it is, of course, the responsibility of local education authorities to provide 2286 school dental services for their areas. I understand that the education authority concerned is doing everything possible to recruit further dentists.
§ Mr. DaviesWhilst thanking the right hon. Lady for that answer, may I ask if her Department is co-operating with the Ministry of Health to try to provide further dental services in the area?
§ Miss HorsbrughWe are trying to see throughout how we can recruit more dentists for the school dental service. The hon. Member will be glad to know that in 1953 there was an increase of the equivalent of 95 full-time officers. Before that the number was, for some years, going down. We shall go on doing all we can to recruit dentists.