§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report the letter sent to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr by the Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for
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§ Mr. George Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what indications have been given concerning the possible date for closure of New Cross school for dental therapists.
§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg:No decision has been taken on the recommendation of the Dental Strategy Review Group that the school for dental therapists should be closed.
§ Mr. George Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why so little time has been allowed for comments on the proposal in the Dental Strategy Review Group report circulated last month concerning the closure of New Cross school for dental therapists; and if he will give an assurance that no final decision will be taken on this matter until responses to the report have been circulated to interested hon. Members and to the Select Committee on Social Services.
§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg:Comments were requested by the end of October in order that they could be taken into consideration before recruitment started for an intake of students in 1982. Numerous letters are being received and I expect to reach a decision on closure before the end of the year since there would be serious disadvantage in prolonging the period of uncertainty.