§ 29. Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the amounts being spent by his Department on the dental 995 health education of the public with a view to preventing unnecessary dental disease; and how this sum compares with the amount spent annually by his Department on the treatment of dental disease under the General Dental Services.
§ Mr. GalbraithThe local health authorities, through their school dental service and maternity and child welfare service, are the main agencies for dental health education. The local authorities' expenditure is assisted by general grant, and I regret I cannot estimate separately how much is spent on this service. The amount spent annually on treatment under the General Dental Services is about £4 million.
§ Mr. JannerIs not the Minister aware that practically nothing is being spent by his Department on educating the public regarding dental treatment? Does not he consider that the position is extremely serious? Is not he prepared to authorise expenditure either to prevent dental disease or to instruct people how to prevent it?
§ Mr. GalbraithAs I said in my original Answer, this work is all done by local authorities. In spite of that, my right hon. Friend recently set up a standing committee to examine what further measures could be taken.
§ Mr. JannerHow much is he giving to the Committee to spend? Is it nothing?
§ Mr. GalbraithThe standing committee is an exploratory committee to advise on what is required to be done. After that, it will be a question of whether or not money is to be provided.