§ Mr. Frank Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the cost of the Dental Estimates Board; what was the total amount paid in fees to dentists in 1962; and what was the corresponding figure in each case in 1969.
§ Mr. AlisonThe administrative costs of the Dental Estimates Board for England and Wales were £902,263 in 1962 and £1,759,362 in 1969. The 1969 figure includes some of the initial costs of the computer system which is currently being installed and which is expected to show savings in later years, as well as provision for selective employment tax, which was not payable in 1962. The amounts scheduled by the board for payment to dentists in the same years were £54,561,046 and £77,500,443 respectively.
§ Mr. Frank Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many estimates for prior approval were received by the Dental Estimates Board in 1962 and how many in 1969; and, in respect of the latter, how many were for 3s. extra for one additional X-ray and how many were for additional fees of 10s. or less.
§ Mr. AlisonThe number of prior approval estimates received by the Dental Estimates Board was 1,836,989 in 1962, and 819,350 in 1969. The information requested in the second part of the Question is not obtainable.
§ Mr. Frank Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of the dental costs in England and Wales is spent on orthodontic treatment; and what percentage of children who start 234W a course of treatment fails to complete it.
§ Mr. AlisonIn 1969 the cost of orthodontic treatment represented 1.79 per cent. of the total cost of the General Dental Service in England and Wales. Some 9.4 per cent. of the cases of orthodontic treatment authorised for payment in 1969 were discontinued before completion.