§ 28. Mr. Goodhewasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether his Department has now completed its study of the Central Hertfordshire Consumer Group's report to him on the subject of National Health Service dental services; and when he expects to make known his views.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyI would refer the hon. Member to my reply of 9th February to the hon. Member for Hemel Hempstead (Mr. Allason). My right hon. Friend will decide whether further action is called for in the light of the discussions I shall be having early in April with representatives of the Hertfordshire Local Dental Committee.—[Vol. 795, c. 879–82.]
§ Mr. GoodhewThe hon. Gentleman wrote to me on 23rd October last year saying that he was investigating this report urgently. How urgently do this Government deal with anything which is urgent?
§ Dr. DunwoodyThe delay in arranging the meeting I referred to—which will be an important meeting—is not entirely the responsibility of my Department. There have been difficulties in arranging a time and date acceptable to both sides.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsIs my hon. Friend aware that I wrote to him on this subject some time ago pointing out that my constituents were compelled to go outside Putney for Health Service dental attention? Has there been any improvement?
§ Dr. DunwoodyI think the question of services in Putney is a different matter, but if my hon. Friend cares to write to me I shall only be too pleased to answer on that particular point.