§ 77. Mr. Bowdenasked the Minister of Education how many dentists have left the School Dental Service since 5th July, 1948; and what steps he proposes to take to build up this service.
§ Mr. TomlinsonI have no comprehensive figures, but I am informed that county authorities employing about 600 school dentists have received 36 resignations since last April. There are similar difficulties in the urban areas and the loss in London is particularly heavy. I am making every possible effort, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, to secure a settlement of the salaries of dentists in public employment. Nothing else stands in the way of steadily expanding the School Dental Service until it is quite comprehensive.
NUMBERS OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS ON THE REGISTERS OF EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGES IN GREAT BRITAIN Date Men aged 18 and over Boys under 18 Women aged 18 and over Girls under 18 Total 23rd January, 1933 … … 2,336,065 77,912 427,166 61,922 2,903,065 17th July, 1944 … … 37,351 7,681 11,370 6,795 63,197 11th October, 1948 … … 227,435 6,968 74,302 5,753 314,458