§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if any further steps have been taken to deal with child dental health since the 1973 survey; if more recent studies show any change from the situation then, that by the age of 14 years one child in 10 had lost four permanent teeth; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleSince the 1973 survey was carried out the Committee on Child Health Services (Court) has been considering the problems of promoting children's dental health and I am now consulting interested bodies on the advice which I have received.
There has been no more recent national survey and I consider it too soon to carry out another.
§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of children under the age of five years have decayed teeth.
§ Mr. MoyleAs there has been no recent comprehensive study of the teeth of children under five years of age I regret that the information is not available.