§ Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.
§ 12.10 p.m.
§ Mr. Nicholas Scott (Paddington, South)I wonder whether I might briefly explain that the purpose of this measure is to correct a deficiency in the Dentists Act 1957.
The General Dental Council has a duty to satisfy itself that the course of studies leading to a degree or licence in dentistry is such as to provide the holder with skills enabling him to conduct an efficient practice of dentistry. Shoud the General Dental Council not be satisfied that any particular course is such as to provide for those skills, it has the opportunity to recommend to the Privy Council that not only that particular course but all the courses granted by any dental authority providing it are invalidated. It does not have the opportunity of singling out a particular course of studies as inadequate; it must put down a blanket interdiction on all the courses provided by the dental authority in question, which could be a university or other such body.
The purpose of Clause 1(1) is to make it clear that the Privy Council, on the recommendation of the General Dental Council, can make an order that is limited to a particular course of studies. 1875 Subsection (2) is simply a drafting provision relating to Section 17 of the Dentists Act 1957. I need not delay the House with that.
I believe that in a modest way this measure will enable the General Dental Council to perform one of its many functions of maintaining the high standards in the practice of dentistry to which we in this country are accustomed, and that it deserves the support of the House in its efforts.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security (Mr. Paul Dean)I rise briefly merely to congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Paddington, South (Mr. Scott) on his Bill and to say that it has the support of the Government.
§ Question put and agreed to.
§ Clause I ordered to stand part of the Bill.
§ Clause 2 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
§ Bill reported without amendment.
§ Motion made, and Question, That the Bill be now read the Third time, put forthwith pursuant to Standing Order No. 56 (Third Reading), and agreed to.
§ Bill accordingly read the Third time and passed.