§ 52. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Minister of Health, as representing the Lord President of the Council, whether he is aware that the draft regulations recently submitted by the General Dental Council under Sections 18 and 19 of the Dentists Act, 1956, make no provision to permit dental hygienists to work under the direct personal supervision of a registered dentist in private practice; and what steps he is proposing to take in the matter, in view of the fact that this was clearly contrary to the intention of Parliament.
§ Mr. VosperYes, Sir; but the General Dental Council has been asked to give 30 further consideration to its draft regulations in the light of the known intentions of Parliament.
§ Mr. FletcherMay we take it that the Minister will not approve any regulations unless they are in accordance with the intentions of Parliament?
§ Mr. VosperWe had better await what the General Dental Council has to say, but I hope that the hon. Member's supplementary question will not in fact arise.
§ Dr. SummerskillThis is a very important matter. Will the Minister assure the House that the dentists will not be allowed to circumvent the Act, because the dental hygienists can make a valuable contribution and should be used as widely as possible?
§ Mr. VosperI think I can give that assurance. I think, too, that the General Dental Council is fully aware of the intention of Parliament.