10. Mrs. Slaterasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education the number of full-time and part-time opticians and dentists employed in the school medical service of local authorities.
§ Sir E. BoyleSo far as I am aware no opticians are employed by local education authorities. Last December the school dental service was staffed by 947 dentists in full-time local authority service and 567 others employed on a sessional basis.
Mrs. SlaterIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in Stoke there are part-time opticians employed at very large fees, that every local authority is having very great difficulty in obtaining full-time dentists, and that this position is having a very detrimental effect on the service which can be given? Is he further aware that many school medical officers are now saying quite definitely that a comprehensive school dental service is impossible? Would he not consult his right hon. and learned Friend to see what inducement and encouragement can be given to dentists to undertake this work?
§ Sir E. BoyleI will consult my right hon. and learned Friend about this, or the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Heatlh. It is fair to point out that the staff of the school dental service in England and Wales has risen appreciably during the last five years, although we all recognise that it is still well below optimum requirements.