§ Mr. Wigginasked 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. JosephCertain 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.