§ 36. Mr. Albuasked the Minister of Health whether he will issue instructions to dentists that they should obtain a clear statement from patients as to whether they wish to be treated as private patients or under the National Health Service before commencing treatment.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithNo. My right hon. Friend does not think this is necessary. It is for patients themselves to make clear to the dentist when applying for treatment whether they wish it to be provided under the Service or privately and, if the dentist accepts them under the Service, he is already required to give them a signed statement to that effect.