§ Mr. Waltersasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of the concern in the dental profession regarding the increase in practice expenses and the resulting difficulty in reaching the target net income without lowering standards, if she will take steps to remedy the situation.
§ Dr. OwenThe Dental Rates Study Group, which includes representatives of the profession, is now reviewing average practice expenses and assessing the target gross income for 1974–75 in order to construct a scale of fees designed to produce average earnings consistent with that target. When I receive the group's recommendations a revised scale of fees will be introduced as quickly as possible and retrospective adjustments will be made to fees scheduled for payment since 1st April this year. In the meantime my right hon. Friend recently authorised192W an immediate payment on account to help dentists to meet current increases in practice expenses.