§ 5. Mr. Brynmor Johnasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the ratio of dentists to population, respectively, in Wales and the South-East of England; and what is the proportion in the Pontypridd and Rhondda Valley areas.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasAt 30th September, 1969, the latest date for which comparable figures are available, the numbers of people to each dentist in Wales and South-East England respectively were 6,639 and 3,367. Comparable figures for Pontypridd and the Rhondda were 5,835 and 10,478 respectively.
§ Mr. JohnIs it not clear, and will not the Minister accept, that from the point of view of dental health Wales is an underprivileged nation? Does the Minister accept that the recent rise in dental charges proposed by the Government will have a deleterious effect, and will prolong for a long time that state of being under-privileged? Will the Minister undertake, in addition to considering the matter of charges, to consider what other steps he can take to improve the present ratio?
§ Mr. Peter ThomasI agree that there is some cause for concern about this matter in Wales. As to the new charges, the hon. Member will appreciate that the regular attender at the dentist's will save under the new scheme, although he may have to pay more for a big job.
§ Mr. G. Elfed DaviesIn view of the alarming figures which the right hon. and learned Gentleman gave for Pontypridd and Rhondda, will he now promise to take immediate steps to remedy the position in that area?
§ Mr. Peter ThomasIt is difficult to know, apart from special inducements—which do not apply to dentists—what powers I have to direct them to the area. However, I will look into the possibility raised by the hon. Gentleman.