§ Mr. GOULDasked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether his attention has been called to the border-line cases under the Dentists Act, 1921; whether he is aware that a number who have Served their apprenticeship to dentistry and have been in practice are now deprived of their only means of livelihood by being within a short period of the age required under the Act; and whether consideration will be given to these cases by removing the present penalisation?
§ Major BOYD CARPENTERYes, Sir, my attention has been called to such cases. No objection was, however, raised to the age limit when the Bill was under discussion, and it cannot now be varied without amending legislation, which would be impracticable without general agreement. Nothing in the Act, prevents ex-apprentices from continuing to work as dental mechanics, and I am informed that the Dental Board are considering the possibility of dealing with some of the hard cases which have admittedly arisen by the provision of scholarships or maintenance grants so as to enable the more promising men to qualify.