§ Paddy AshdownTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what his estimate is of the average quarterly loyalty bonus which will be paid to dentists undertaking NHS work in 2001; and if he will make a statement. [145955]
§ Mr. HuttonThe value of a commitment payment paid to a dentist in the General Dental Service (GDS) depends on their level of commitment. Those who qualify may get a payment ranging from £25 for those doing some work within the GDS to £834 for those aged 45 or over who are fully committed.
In England the average amounts in the first two quarters of the scheme were £380 for Apri1 to June 2000 and£383 for July to September 2000.
In addition to the quarterly payments there will also be a year-end payment made to all dentists who received one or more quarterly commitment payments above the minimum level.