HC Deb 27 November 1985 vol 87 cc607-8W
Mrs. Ann Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many patients receiving dental treatment under the National Health Service were required to pay the full cost of the treatment in the latest year for which figures are available; and what this figure is as a percentage of the total number of courses of dental treatment provided in that year;

(2) how many courses of dental treatment required some financial contribution from patients under the National Health Service in the latest year for which figures are available; and what this figure is as a percentage of the total number of courses of dental treatment provided in that year;

(3) how many courses of dental treatment were provided free of charge to patients under the National Health Service in the latest year for which figures are available.

Mr. Hayhoe

A financial contribution was made by patients in 11,628,870 (38 per cent.) of the 30,970,830 courses of dental treatment provided in 1984. The remaining 19,341,960 courses of treatment were provided free of charge. Of those courses where a financial contribution was made it is estimated that in some 5.25 million to 5.5 million cases, (17 to 18 per cent. of all courses of treatment) the patients paid the full cost of their chargeable treatment.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will estimate the average charge currently paid by patients for dental treatment under the National Health Service, both in actual terms and as a percentage of the average cost of a course of treatment;

(2) if he will state, for those patients who are required to pay a charge for dental treatment under the National Health Service, what average percentage that charge represents of the average actual cost of the treatment.

Mr. Hayhoe

The estimated average charge per paying patient in 1985–86 is about £18. This represents about 60 per cent. of the average cost of the chargeable treatment.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he has any plans to alter the charge system for patients who receive dental treatment under the National Health Service;

(2) what recent representations he has received supporting changes in the charge system for dental treatment under the National Health Service;

(3) if he has made any estimate of the percentage level at which a proportional charge system would have to be levied for dental treatment under the National Health Service in order to raise the same level of revenue as is guaranteed by the current system of dental charges; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hayhoe

I shall let my hon. Friend have replies as soon as possible.