§ 14. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Education if, in order to ascertain at first hand the seriousness of the situation with regard to the condition of school children's teeth, he will visit school clinics in areas that may have been agreed between the British Dental Association and his Department as presenting typical pictures of this problem.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education (Mr. Kenneth Thompson)Mr. right hon. Friend receives direct information on the School Dental Service from his medical and dental staff who constantly visit school clinics. In addition, local education authorities, who provide the Service, report to him each year. He is always glad however to receive views of other interested bodies.
§ Mr. DoddsWill the Parliamentary Secretary state why the Minister did not answer this Question himself, as it is directed to the Minister? May I take it that there is still a hope that, if he gets representations from this very reputable body which ought to know about the problem, the Minister will take advantage of it and follow it up with some of these schools to show that he has a very deep interest in this important matter?
§ Mr. ThompsonBoth my right hon. Friend and I frequently visit schools and this, of course, is one of the things we look at when we do so.