§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate his Department has made of the total fixed capital in the hands of dentists in Scotland, and of return on that capital, over the last three years.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 18 January 1993]: No such estimate is made by the Department. The return on capital is one of the factors that the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration takes into account when recommending the target average net income for dentists.
§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is planning to maintain the current level of NHS dental services in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 18 January 1993]: The Government remain committed to a comprehensive NHS dental service. Health boards in Scotland are responsible for making arrangements for adequate provision of general dental services in their areas. Health boards have been reminded that they may seek approval to employ salaried dentists if they think this is necessary to ensure the continued availability of NHS dental services in their areas.