HC Deb 06 March 1973 vol 852 cc225-6
19. Mr. Edward Lyons

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will set up an emergency dental service in all major centres of population; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alison

I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe (Mr. John Hall) on 14th November last.—[Vol. 846, c. 72.]

Mr. Lyons

Does not the hon. Gentleman consider it to be illogical that whereas at night, at weekends and at holiday times facilities exist for the relief of pain in other parts of the body there are none for the relief of dental pain? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that dental pain can be not only excruciating but persistent? Will he take urgent action to provide a nationwide service at these times for the relief of dental pain?

Mr. Alison

Hitherto, it has been the view that a real need for a comprehensive emergency service for dental patients did not exist. However, we have asked the Working Party on Dental Services to look at this matter again in view of representations like those of the hon. Member. Anyone suffering from dental pain or a dental emergency can, of course, get treatment at hospitals, as the hon. Gentleman knows.

Dr. Summerskill

Does the hon. Gentleman recognise that the British Dental Association is pressing for an emergency service? Will he bear in mind also that it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to obtain not only an emergency service but ordinary dental care under the National Health Service because dentists are opting out of the dental service to go into private practice? Can the hon. Gentleman say when the Working Party on Dental Services is likely to report?

Mr. Alison

I am afraid that I cannot answer the last part of the hon. Lady's supplementary question about when the working party will report. Obviously the British Dental Association is itself taking part in it. The working party will consider all the matters that the hon. Lady has raised.

Mr. John Hall

In view of the representations being made to my hon. Friend, may I ask whether he recognises that there is a real need for an emergency dental service? Furthermore, following the supplementary question asked by the hon. Member for Halifax (Dr. Summerskill), does my hon. Friend also recognise the need to strengthen the existing service?

Mr. Alison

It is precisely because we recognise that circumstances may have changed since the Estimates Committee reported in 1962 that we have asked the working party to look at the situation again.