§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in the light of the disquiet felt by patients and the dental profession regarding the inadequacy of services for gum care, he will take steps to make sure that such treatment is freely available on the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleI am not aware of any disquiet over the adequacy of services for gum care. The scale of dental fees, which sets out details of treatment available under the general dental services, contains a number of items comprehensively covering peridontal treatment. In 1975 there were over 9 million cases of treatment in this category in England costing a total of over £15 million.