§ 70. Mr. Iremongerasked the Minister of Health if he will set up a working 158W party to inquire into the future of the industry manufacturing prosthetic dental fittings, with special reference to the danger of sub-standard work being clone because, under the present arrangement whereby dentists contract for the supply of these fittings independently of influence or control by his department, dentists drive too hard a bargain with the manufacturers; and if he will introduce legislation to make his Department, in the interests of both the taxpayer and patient, a party to the contract in future.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonNo.
§ 71. Mr. Iremongerasked the Minister of Health what information he has as to what proportion of dental surgeon's fees payable under the National Health Service is paid by them to the manufacturers of prosethetic dental fittings in cases where such fittings are required, and as to what extent the prices paid to the manufacturers have increased since the dentists' fees were increased.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonThe fees paid by a dentist for dental prostheses are a matter for him and his supplier. I understand that some of the many firms who make dental prostheses have increased the prices of some of their products since the last increase in dentists' fees.