Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent changes have been proposed for charges by dentists in Northern Ireland; how this relates to the increase awarded by the salary review body; how many dentists withdrew from the national health service in Northern Ireland in the most recent 12 months for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyThe maximum charge payable by a patient for a course of dental treatment will be increased from £200 to £225 with effect from 1 April 1992. There will be no change in the proportional charge payable by patients, which will remain at 75 per cent. of the cost up to the maximum charge.
The increase in the maximum charge is not related to the increase recently recommended by the doctors and dentists review body.
No dentists in Northern Ireland withdrew from providing health service treatment in the 12 months prior to 1 March 1992.