§ Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the salary of district dental officers is to be costed for National Health Service purposes as an administrative expense, even if that dentist works part-time as a district dental officer and part-time as a dentist.
§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsbergthe basis of the present control of management costs is set out in circular HC(81)2, a copy of which I am sending the hon. Member. Given the number of staff involved it is not practicable to apportion individuals' time between managerial and non-managerial duties and to include only the former element of salaries as a management cost.
§ Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services who will be responsible for community and preventive dental care in district health authorities where district dental officers are not appointed.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe responsibility for continuation of community dental services, which includes the statutory duty to provide a school dental service, was transferred from area health authorities to the new district health authorities on 1 April. Within the guidance already issued, it is a matter for these authorities to determine the management structure best suited to their local circumstances and to decide what appointments and arrangements for accountability are needed.