§ 20. Mr. Boydenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many dentists have left the National Health Service in the last 12 months.
§ Mr. AlisonIn the 12 months to September, 1970, 690 general dental practitioners, including those retiring because of age and those who died, ceased practising in the general dental services in England and Wales. The total number of dentists working in the general dental services rose from 10,659 to 10,843.
§ Mr. BoydenHow many dentists leaving the Health Service defected into the private sector, and has not the number been steadily increasing?
§ Mr. AlisonThe figures we have available do not show that but include the very large number of dentists who retired on age grounds.
§ Dr. SummerskillWill the hon. Gentleman examine the significant regional differences in the number of dentists who have left the Health Service, and will he tell the House how many have left the Health Service since the introduction of the increase in dental charges?
§ Mr. AlisonI will look at both questions which the hon. Lady has asked and write to her.