6. Sir H. Wattasked the Minister of National Insurance if he will consider recommending to the friendly societies that, in view of the prolonged negotiations between himself and the dental profession, the friendly societies be authorised to make ex gratia payments to members seeking dental treatment where they are satisfied that the cost of such treatment is in accordance with the scales of such charges in force.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsI assume that the hon. Member refers to the provision of dental benefit by approved societies under the National Health Insurance Act on which I would refer him to the reply which I gave on the subject to the hon. Member for West Harrow (Mr. Bower) on 11th March. There is no obstacle to the payment of dental benefit where a contract is entered into for the provision of treatment at the approved charges and in accordance with the approved conditions, but I have no power to authorise approved societies to make any payment not provided for by the statutory regulations.