§ 4. Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether there are any plans to reorganise university dental schools; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. Robert Jackson)A review of dental education by the University Grants Committee is now under way.
§ Mr. PikeWill the Minister recognise that the review is causing concern among those involved in dental care? Will he give an assurance that there will be no closure or enforced merger of existing dental schools?
§ Mr. JacksonI cannot anticipate the result of the report. It will have to take into account the fact that several dental schools are already at or below the minimum size that enables the curriculum to be adequately covered by economic staffing levels. The hon. Gentleman knows that the dental manpower review has recommended a 10 per cent, cut in intake.
§ Mr. HoltWould my hon. Friend care to speak to his colleagues about the number of dentists in training in Southern Ireland to see whether, under the Anglo-Irish Agreement, he can achieve a cut in the numbers in training in Ireland, just as the number training in this country was cut from 4,000 to 2,600? Ultimately, all our dentists could be Irish if something is not done about this.
§ Mr. JacksonWe have no jurisdiction in the Republic of Ireland, but I promise my hon. Friend that I shall inquire into the matter.