§ 25. Mr. Ellisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in the light of the findings of the Survey on Adult Dental Health, 1970, a copy of which is in his possession, that of 50 million teeth requiring attention in 1968 only 38 million received treatment, he will estimate the effect of increased charges upon this gap.
§ Sir K. JosephBecause it will encourage regular attendance the new system of charging should help to reduce the volume of unmet need for treatment.
§ 56. Mr. Kinnockasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what changes will be necessary to Clause 23(i) of the terms of service of general dental practitioners as a result of the change of principle involved in the levying of proportional charges for dental treatment.
§ Sir K. JosephI assume that the hon. Member is referring to Regulation 23(1) of the National Health Service (General Dental Services) Regulations, 1967. This provision was amended by the National Health Service (General Dental Services) Amendment Regulations, 1969, and no further change is needed.
§ 57. Mr. Kinnockasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he intends to lay before the House statutory instruments relating to new patient charges for general dental practitioner services.
§ Sir K. JosephIn the early part of next month.
§ 58 and 59. Mr. Alec Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what representations have been made to him regarding the effect of the proposed new charges upon numbers of patients seeking dental treatment; and what replies he has sent;
(2) what representations have been made to him concerning his announced intention of reducing the exemption age for payment of patient charges for dental treatment under the National Health Service from 21 years to 18 years; and what replies he has sent.
72W
§ Sir K. JosephI have received correspondence from the British Dental Association and from a considerable number of individuals. In reply, I have explained why I do not share the fear that the introduction of proportionate charges will lead to a long-term decline in the number of patients seeking dental treatment, and have indicated the Government's reasons for proposing to reduce the age limit to exemption from dental treatment charges.
§ 72. Mr. Huntasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consultations took place between his Department and the British Dental Association prior to last October's announcement of the increased charges for dental treatment.
§ Sir K. JosephI had met representatives of the British Dental Association before the Government's decision was announced and, therefore, knew their views about charging policy and the future development of the general dental services.