§ Mr. Leachasked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the scarcity of qualified dentists available to the civil population, and that notwithstanding the shortage, difficulties are still being placed in the way of properly qualified refugee foreign dentists being allowed to practise; and will he take steps to remove these restrictions.
§ Mr. WillinkThe foreign dentists to which my hon. Friend refers are eligible for registration, for the purpose of enabling them to practise in this country, if they possess a qualification recognised by the General Medical Council under the terms of Sections 9 and Io of the Dentists Act, 1878. I have no power to intervene in the decisions of the Council upon individual cases which come before them, but Section 10 enables an applicant whose qualification is not recognised to appeal to the Privy Council.
§ Mr. Hammersleyasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the shortage of 1011W dentists, he will take steps to ensure that use is made of the services of the 60 qualified friendly alien dentists who are now engaged in miscellaneous occupations in this country.
§ Mr. WillinkI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to-day on this subject to my hon. Friend the Member for Bradford Central (Mr. Leach).