§ 43. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there is a shortage of dentists in Britain, and that over 7,000 more are needed to supply the normal requirements for dental treatment; and what steps he is taking to increase the number of schools for training dentists.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI am well aware of the shortage. As already announced, the Government have accepted the recommendation in the Report of Lord McNair's Committee on Recruitment to the Dental Profession that the annual output of dental schools in Great Britain needs to be expanded to produce at least 800 dentists who will practise in this country. Measures for putting this into effect are under way.
§ Mr. JannerIs the Minister aware that this is a scandalous position, that the McNair Report was issued years ago and that the recommendations for new schools were made very forcibly? Is he not going to do something, even in this age of successful effort on the part of his Government—[Interruption.]—I say "successful" with a question mark, and without prejudice? Is he prepared to do something rapidly about it, and does he realise that it takes seven years before a new school can be put into operation?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI am obliged to the hon. Gentleman for his tribute to the successes of our administration in 29 general. On the detailed points he makes, he will appreciate that we do not build these dental hospitals and dental schools merely by recommendations or by Parliamentary Questions. The fact is that we are going ahead with the construction of dental hospitals and dental schools, and we have one coming on in Birmingham, one at University College Hospital, London, and one in Cardiff, to name only three in the bigger centres. We are getting on very well with this, and there is nothing scandalous about it at all.
§ Dr. SummerskillIn view of the grave shortage of dentists and the increasing incidence of dental caries, will the Minister be prepared to introduce inducement grants for potential dental students?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithAs a matter of fact, there is no shortage of recruits to the dental profession at the present time. While I appreciate the motive behind the right hon. Lady's Question, I do not think that is necessary. It is really a matter of accommodation, and we are getting on as fast as possible.
§ Dr. SummerskillIn view of the serious position, could the Minister tell us whether dental hygienists are now being employed?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithYes, dental hygienists are being employed, I do not say universally, but in certain dental hospitals, such as the Eastman Hospital, which the right hon. Lady will well know.