HC Deb 29 February 2000 vol 345 c223W
36. Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his Department's funding of the use of palladium-based precious metals in dentistry. [110891]

Mr. Hutton

Precious metal casting alloys for use in the General Dental Services (GDS) must contain not less than 33⅓ per cent. fine gold, platinum or palladium. Decisions on any particular precious metal alloy is a matter for the individual dentist.

Fees for items of service in the GDS are adjusted annually in line with the recommendations of the independent Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration.