HC Deb 22 December 1971 vol 828 c387W
Mr. Wiggin

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether and when he proposes to make regulations restricting the administration of general anaesthetics by denists.

Sir K. Joseph

Certain limitations on the administration of general anaesthetics by dentists were recommended in a report by a Joint Sub-Committee of my Standing Medical and Dental Advisory Committees which was published in 1967. As I have already indicated, I strongly endorse the recommendations in the report; but after careful consideration, and bearing in mind how closely the recommendations touch on the clinical freedom of dentists, I have decided that it would not at present be appropriate for me to seek to give effect to the report by making regulations. I hope however that dentists will give the report careful consideration and will conclude, as many have already done, that its recommendations represent sound practice which should be generally adopted.