§ 16. Mr. Tom Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of the costs of dental treatment provided under the National Health Service in Scotland was met by the charges paid by patients at the latest date for which figures are available; and what was the corresponding proportion in 1979.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe proportion was 24.6 per cent. in 1983–84 and 20.29 per cent. in 1979–80.
§ Mr. ClarkeIs the Minister aware of the great concern that is felt not only by the dental profession but by patients about the increased charges? Does he agree that dental care should continue to have an important place in Scotland?
§ Mr. MacKayI am indeed most concerned to improve the quality of dental care in Scotland and the attention we pay to our teeth. About half the courses of treatment are provided free. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will welcome the fact that while the number of dental treatments in 1978 in Scotland was 2.4 million, by 1983 it had risen to 2.75 million.