HC Deb 23 February 1977 vol 926 c612W
Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if any further steps have been taken to deal with child dental health since the 1973 survey; if more recent studies show any change from the situation then, that by the age of 14 years one child in 10 had lost four permanent teeth; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Moyle

Since the 1973 survey was carried out the Committee on Child Health Services (Court) has been considering the problems of promoting children's dental health and I am now consulting interested bodies on the advice which I have received.

There has been no more recent national survey and I consider it too soon to carry out another.

Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of children under the age of five years have decayed teeth.

Mr. Moyle

As there has been no recent comprehensive study of the teeth of children under five years of age I regret that the information is not available.