HC Deb 09 March 1982 vol 19 c716
21. Mr. George

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if any estimates have been made of the effect of the past increases in dental charges on the number of people who seek dental treatment.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

I refer the hon. Gentleman to my reply to the hon. Members for Manchester, Central (Mr. Litherland), for Blaydon (Mr. McWilliam) and Newcastle upon Tyne, West (Mr. Brown).

Mr. George

Does the Minister admit that since his party came to office routine charges have risen by 160 per cent. and maximum overall charges by 200 per cent.? Does he not agree that a further increase will have a disastrous effect on health care standards in the area of dental hygiene?

Mr. Finsberg

There is no evidence of that from the figures that I quoted earlier of the increasing number of courses of dental treatment.

Mr. Home Robertson

Is the Minister aware that parts of Britain, including Scotland, have the worst dental health record in the world? Is it not inevitable that the increased charges proposed by the Government will make that record even worse?

Mr. Finsberg

I cannot answer for what goes on north of the border. I can say only that there is a definite improvement in the state of children's teeth.

Mr. Terry Davis

Will the Minister now answer the question that I put to him before? Is he increasing the charges by more than the increase in costs?

Mr. Finsberg

I have already told the hon. Gentleman very clearly that the actual amount of money paid by patients on average is 30 per cent. of the cost and about 45 per cent. of all treatments are exempt. [HON.MEMBERS: "Answer the Question".]