§ 1. Mr. Cooperasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education if he will give the number of full-time dental officers engaged in the School Dental Service at the most recent date; and how this compares with the similar date in 1951.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education (Sir Edward Boyle)The equivalent of 1,024 full-time dentists were employed in the School Dental Service in England and Wales on 31st December, 1956. The corresponding figure for 1951 was 713.
§ Mr. CooperIs it not a matter for great satisfaction that a Conservative Government has now completely restored this vital social service which was virtually destroyed by the right hon. Member for Ebbw Vale (Mr. Bevan)?
§ Sir E. BoyleIt is the case that the number of dentists required to provide a fully comprehensive School Dental Service in England and Wales would be about 2,000, but I am certainly glad that progress has been made since 1951.