HC Deb 10 November 1981 vol 12 c76W
Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will instruct family practitioner committees to publicise lists of general dental practitioners compiled by local dental committees which gives the names of those dentists willing to accept new patients and to offer all necessary treatment under the National Health Service.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

This matter is the subject of a recent report by a working party of the British Dental Association, who have asked local dental committees to consider the drawing up of such lists to assist family practitioner committees in advising patients who may have difficulty. I welcome this move by the profession to overcome such difficulties as may exist in some areas, but I do not consider that central instruction would be appropriate as difficulties are by no means general throughout the country.