HC Deb 30 October 1985 vol 84 c571W
Mr. Laurie Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will ask the committee on toxicity to make a comparison of allergic reactions from amalgam fillings with established allergies from other substances;

(2) if, pursuant to the answer of 22 October, Official Report, columns 131–2, he will take steps to bring to the attention of patients who received treatment with dental amalgam his statement that there is no convincing evidence of any adverse health effect on the vast majority of such patients;

(3) if, in the light of the representations made to him expressing anxiety about the possible health hazard arising from amalgam teeth fillings, he will take steps to expedite the consideration of evidence on this matter by the committees on toxicity and on dental and surgical materials.

Mr. Hayhoe

The Committees on Toxicity and on Dental and Surgical Materials will be considering the risks and benefits of dental amalgam, including the evidence relating to allergic reactions, as soon as possible bearing in mind the considerable amount of data to be reviewed. I do not consider any really useful purpose would be served by drawing to the attention of patients at some considerable cost my recent statement about the safety of dental amalgam.

Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will issue guidance to all general dental practitioners that amalgam fillings be substituted only when a patient presents evidence of the necessity through the written advice of a consultant neurologist.

Mr. Hayhoe

I will write to the hon. Member.