§ 32. Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Minister of Health whether he will introduce the necessary amending legislation to relieve students who reach the age of 21 from paying dental charges when they are receiving full-time education or when they are dependent on grants.
§ Mr. LoughlinNo, Sir.
§ Sir J. Langford-HoltWhereas the difference between earning and non-earning might be a valid distinction in this respect, can the hon. Gentleman explain the validity of the distinction between 20 years and 21 years?
§ Mr. LoughlinA question is bound to be raised wherever one puts the line. If one took 22 or 23, the same question could be asked: what is the difference between 22 and 23?
§ Sir J. Langford-HoltOne.
§ Mr. LoughlinI was attempting to deal with the question seriously, because the hon. Gentleman asked me what was the difference between 20 and 21. We appreciate that there are bound to be anomalies in this sort of matter where-ever one fixes the age.
§ Sir J. Langford-HoltThe distinction I am inviting the hon. Gentleman to draw is as between a person who is earning and one who is not earning, in which case whether the age be 21, 22 or 23 is entirely irrelevant.
§ Mr. LoughlinI should be entirely out of order if I answered that supplementary question on the basis of this Question. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to invite me to make observations of that kind, perhaps he will put a Question down.