HC Deb 18 March 1957 vol 567 cc28-9
44. Mr. Edelman

asked the Minister of Health what instructions he has given to his regional officers in connection with payments to dentists for the conservation and extraction of teeth.

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

None; regional dental officers concern themselves solely with clinical considerations. The assessment of fees is for the Dental Estimates Board.

Mr. Edelman

Is it not a fact that the parsimonious attitude of the Minister encourages dentists to pull teeth out rather than to keep them in? In the circumstances, will he not put the emphasis on the protection of teeth rather than on their extraction?

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

Oh, no, I do not think I could accept that at all. If the hon. Member studies the new scale of fees, he will see that very definite emphasis is to be given to conservative treatment.