Dr. Reginald Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what threats now exist to the admissions of psychiatric patients into hospital; what are the terms of the threats and on the part of what persons or bodies; what is the time factor intended; and what steps she is taking to preserve the psychiatric service from this threatened action.
§ Dr. OwenOn 21st June the Con- federation of Health Service Employees told us of its intention to ban such admissions as from 1st July. Following my right hon. Friend's statement to the Press on 28th June about a discussion she had had with Lord Halsbury the confederation decided not to proceed with this action, although we understand that diffi-
390Wable to dental surgeons under the National Health Service regulations for the following items of treatment (1) clinical examination, (2) intra-oral radiographs, (3) scaling and polishing teeth, (4) simple fillings in amalgam and silicate, (5) extractions and (6) general anaesthetics; and how these fees compare with those rates paid in 1948, in cash and percentage terms.
§ Dr. OwenFollowing are the figures:
culties over admissions are being experienced in some places. The health authorities are doing all they can to overcome these difficulties.
Dr. Reginald Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when she will meet representatives of the medical staff of Knowle and St. James's Hospitals to discuss the problem of the threatened ban on admissions of patients.
§ Dr. OwenI have no plans to meet representatives of the medical staff of Knowle and St. James's Hospitals in particular, since the problems facing them are facing the staff of hospitals all over the country.