§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what steps he is taking to enable dentists to acquire more up-to-date equipment;
(2) if he will increase the incentives to dentists to encourage them to acquire more up-to-date equipment.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeDentists are paid by means of a scale of fees which is set in such a way that the average dentist will earn the target average net income set by the Government and have his practice expenses met. The latter include expenses incurred as a result of the purchase of new equipment. We are satisfied that the fee scale makes a reasonable provision towards the cost of any essential new equipment and no additional incentive is required.