§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now issue advice which permits community dental officers to give dental care and treatment to the mentally and physically handicapped.
§ Mr. EnnalsMy right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales and I are prepared in principle to make a direction authorising health authorities, at their discretion, to provide limited facilities for the dental treatment of handicapped adults by making use of any spare capacity which may remain after the community dental staff have discharged their duties towards the children and others for whom they are already responsible, and who must have priority. Details will have to be worked out, in consultation with the dental profession and health authorities, before this direction can be made.