§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many dental checks were carried out in Scotland(a) in each of the three years preceding the withdrawal of free dental checks in the NHS and (b) in each year since then.
§ Mr. StewartCharges for dental examination were introduced on 1 January 1989. The figures available on the number of dental examinations carried out in Scotland in each of the years in question are contained in the table. The figures from 1 October 1990 are for adults only, as under the new dental contract introduced from that date children are now treated under capitation arrangements to provide continuing care, and information is not recorded separately on individual treatment items such as examinations for children. The number of children registered with a dentist under these arrangements for the periods since October 1990 is shown separately in the table.
Million Year Number of examinations Number of children registered October 1990 onwards 1986 2.66 n/a 1987 2.64 n/a 1988 2.67 n/a 1989 2.69 n/a 1990 January to September 1.96 n/a 1990–91 October to March1 0.95 0.47 1991–92 April to March2 1.90 0.63 1 New contract for general dental services introduced on 1 October 1990. 2 With effect from 1 April 1991 the method of collecting statistical information was changed to reflect financial years.
§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now reverse the decision to withdraw free dental checks in the NHS.
§ Mr. StewartMy right hon. Friend has no plans to reintroduce free NHS dental examinations.