HC Deb 26 March 1996 vol 274 cc512-3W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what factors underlay his decision to increase from £300 to £325 the maximum charge payable by an NHS patient for dental treatment and appliances from 1 April 1996. [22464]

Mr. Malone

Since 1951, successive Governments have thought it right that those who can afford to do so should pay national health service charges. In a full year, the increased maximum patient charge will bring in £1.5 million while still retaining a cap on the patient's contribution. However, more than 99 per cent. of courses of treatment do not attract the maximum charge. The average charge paid in 1994–95 by an adult liable for charges was approximately £21. Extensive exemption and remission arrangements protect those who are vulnerable or on low incomes and all NHS dental treatment is free for those under 18 years.

Mr. Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of(a) the annual cost of abolishing all charges for dental checks and (b) the annual number of people who currently make some payment for such checks. [22836]

Mr. Malone

The annual cost of abolishing charges for dental examinations, based on 1994–95 prices and charges, is £60 million. This assumes that abolishing the charge for examination does not lead to an increase in demand. The number of courses of treatment where patients pay some charge for dental examinations is estimated to have been approximately 14.5 million in 1994–95.