HC Deb 20 February 1967 vol 741 cc1133-4
22. Mr. Iremonger

asked the Minister of Labour if he is satisfied that the resolutions of the National Joint Council for the Craft of Dental Technicians concerning employees' wages and conditions of work are being implemented by their employers; how many dental technicians have been unemployed, and for what periods during the past two years; and how many unfilled vacancies there are now.

Mr. Hattersley

We have received no representations from dental technicians that their wages and conditions of work are not in accord with the resolutions of the National Joint Council for the Craft of Dental Technicians. The figures asked for are not available.

Mr. Iremonger

Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that there is a good deal of anxiety and discontent underlying this question? Could he arrange to see the Dental Laboratories Association to discuss the whole range of difficulties it has in mind in meeting its commitments, in view of the failure of the Minister to give proper directions for the prices to be paid by dentists?

Mr. Hattersley

The underlying discontent to which the hon. Gentleman refers is a product of the nature of the employment of dental technicians and is more properly raised with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.