HC Deb 31 January 1962 vol 652 c1081
23. Mr. Gourlay

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children under the age of 17 were fitted with false teeth under the National Health Service in the years 1951, 1956, and 1961.

Mr. Galbraith

The earliest figures available are for 1954, when 2,134 children were provided with false teeth. The number in 1956 was 3,006, and in 1961—for which a final figure is not yet available—it is estimated at about 5,000.

Mr. Gourlay

Does the Minister realise that these figures indicate a serious decline in the health of Scottish children's teeth? Will he ensure that his Department gives the maximum publicity to the dental health education campaign, which started on Monday of this week?

Mr. Galbraith

I will certainly do that. As the hon. Member knows, it is largely because of my right hon. Friend's Department that the campaign is taking place.

Mr. Brewis

Would not my hon. Friend agree that the best thing for them to do would be to drink more milk, particularly in school?

Mr. W. Hamilton

And orange juice.

Mr. Galbraith

Not only to drink more milk, but to eat fewer biscuits with it.