§ Mr. Weetchasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will introduce regulations to allow dentists to be legally represented at service committee hearings; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeLegal representation of either party has been avoided at service committee hearings in the interests of informality. Legal advice can be taken before or during a hearing. The parties may be legally represented at oral hearings of appeals. I have no plans to change these arrangements.
§ Mr. Weetchasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the numbers and percentages in relation to the total number of cases where withholdings have taken place at service committee hearings for dentists, in respect of the years 1983, 1984 and 1985; and if he will introduce legislation to allow non-attributable details to be published in the dental press.
§ Mr. HayhoeMy right hon. Friend has directed withholdings from dentists as follows: 607W
1983 1984 1985 Cases investigated 323 421 651 Decision to withhold remuneration 80 145 255 Percentage 25 34 39 Family practitioner committees are aware that when action has been completed on a service committee investigation, a short summary may be issued to the press provided it excludes details from which the parties could be identified.