§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she is aware of the shortage of school dental services in the North Humberside area; and if she will make a statement on steps that are being taken to improve it.
§ Dr. OwenYes. This is a long-standing problem arising from a shortage of dentists in the locality. The area health authority, which has now become responsible for the service, is taking a number of steps to improve it, including the recruitment of more dentists, the use of staff from other parts of the area and the sessional employment of general dental practitioners.