§ 31. Mr. Youngerasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he will take to assist the dental profession in Scotland, in view of the loss of investment allowances for dental equipment and its ineligibility for the new investment grants.
§ Mrs. HartI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to a Question by the hon. Member for Moray and Nairn (Mr. G. Campbell) on 8th February. It is not a matter that calls for action on the part of my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. YoungerDoes not the hon. Lady agree, however, that these dentists—particularly young dentists—will be 10 per cent. worse off as a result of the new arrangements? Does she not agree that it is a very bad thing that young people starting out in their profession should have to face this additional hazard?
§ Mrs. HartThis is exactly the question with which the Chief Secretary was dealing. It is only remuneration before tax which is a matter for the health Ministers, so I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman must await his luck to see whether he is here after the election to put that question to my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. NobleWill the hon. Lady represent to her right hon. Friends that this is the only extractive industry which is excluded under the new investment allowances?