§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when his proposed pilot study into the feasibility of a capitation scheme for the dental treatment of children will commence; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe pilot study began on 1 October. It involves 50 dentists and will last one year. This will pave the way for a larger, experimental trial to look at the effects of the new system of payment on the sort of work dentists do and on the dental health of their patients. In the light of the outcome of the trial, we will consider whether the new system of payments should be introduced generally.