§ 63. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Education whether he is aware that there is growing alarm at the continuing inadequacy of the dental services provided for children in schools; and what steps he is taking to improve the situation in this respect.
§ Mr. K. ThompsonYes; and my right hon. Friend shares the hon. Member's concern at the shortage of school dentists. He is at present considering whether there are any further steps he can take to improve the dental services for school children.
§ 77. Mr. Ridleyasked the Minister of Education what is now the number of school dentists, or their equivalent, for Gloucestershire's 73,000 school children; and what is the number in the establishment.
§ Mr. K. ThompsonOn 31st December last there were the equivalent of 13.6 full-time school dentists in Gloucestershire; the local authority's establishment is 26.
§ 78. Mr. Ridleyasked the Minister of Education what is now the average number of school children for each school dental officer in the country as a whole.
§ Mr. K. ThompsonIn January of this year there were just under 7,000 children for each school dental officer in England and Wales.