HC Deb 11 July 1955 vol 543 cc1572-3
48. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Health the total number of dentists giving service under the National Health Service; and how far he estimates this falls short of the numbers required for adequate dental treatment.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

About 9,600 dentists practise under the general dental services in England and Wales. This is some 8,000 short of the proportion appropriate to England and Wales of the estimate made by the Teviot Committee.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Can the hon. Lady say when she expects the report from the Committee which was set up in December of last year?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

Not at the moment.

Dr. Summerskill

Can the Minister say whether she or her right hon. Friend have any policy regarding the recruitment of dental students?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

That is the subject of the present investigation by the McNair Committee, and we must await its findings.