§ 5. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Health what action he has taken on the complaint referred to him by the London Health Executive Council concerning a patient who spent five hours in a dentist's waiting-room before the dentist saw her.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithNone, Sir. Both parties to the complaint have a right of appeal to my right hon. Friend which has not yet expired.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs the hon. Lady aware that the matter has been referred to her right hon. Friend? Is she aware that, even after the five-hour wait, the dentist informed the lady that he could not extract the aching tooth and told her to catch a bus to the hospital? Is not that conduct scandalous, and does it not call for some disciplinary action?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithThe hon. and gallant Member, as a lawyer, should be aware that if the matter has been referred to appeal—and the right of appeal does not expire until 25th March—it would be improper for me to comment on it at this stage.