§ 15. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will introduce regulations to ensure that emergency National Health Service dental treatment is available at suitably placed local centres at weekends and outside normal working hours.
§ Mr. SnowMy right hon. Friend does not consider that the establishment of such a service would be justified.
§ Mr. RobertsIs my hon. Friend aware that the emergency dental service ceased in the Luton and Dunstable area recently, due to the lack of support from local dentists? Can he state how many other areas have no emergency treatment facilities—even for dental haemorrhage—outside normal working hours?
§ Mr. SnowOn the latter part of the supplementary question, I cannot answer without notice. As to the first part, I was aware of this breakdown of the emergency service in the Luton area. I should tell the House that we have agreed with the Postmaster-General that facilities will be given to existing dentists who notify their Executive Councils of any rota system. There should be a facility whereby people suffering from dental trouble can obtain the necessary information if there is a service in their area.