§ 22. Mr. N. Macphersonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland to make a statement regarding the remuneration of dentists and dental mechanics in Scotland.
§ Mr. J. StuartThe scale of fees for dentists in general practice under the National Health Service is common to dental practitioners in Scotland and in England and Wales. Regulations have been laid before Parliament cancelling, with effect from 1st May, 1955, the 10 per cent. reduction to which the 1949 scale has been subject since 1950. These dentists are required by the National Health Service Regulations to pay then-mechanics at rates not less favourable than those approved by the National Joint Council for the Craft of Dental Technicians.
§ Mr. MacphersonCan my right hon. Friend say whether the scale of remuneration for dental mechanics is proving sufficient to attract into this employment the necessary number of workers?
§ Mr. StuartI am afraid that I could not answer that question without notice, because that is not a matter with which I have to deal. They are paid at rates negotiated on the Whitley Council scales, which range from £380 to £670.