§ Mr. Weetchasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how much of the recently announced Government spending on acquired immune deficiency syndrome education is to be spent in the dental field.,
(2) what courses his Department has organised in order that dentists may obtain information as to what risks are present and what combative and preventative measures can be taken in the face of the potential risks from blood-borne infections, including acquired immune deficiency syndrome and hepatitis; and whether any Government funding is available for such courses;
(3) whether any extra funds have been allocated to the general dental services in order that dentists can eliminate the potential risk from blood-borne infections, including acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
§ Mr. HayhoeThere is very little risk to dentists, their staff or patients of cross-infection from the AIDS or hepatitis viruses provided dentists observe a few simple precautions. Guidance on avoidance of cross-infection in respect of hepatitis was issued by my Department in 1979, and the British Dental Association has recently published guidance to dentists on precautions in respect of AIDS. My Department plans to issue guidance to all dentists in the near future concerning AIDS and dentistry.
My Department allocates funds for the post-graduate training of general dental practitioners under section 63 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968. The expenditure of these funds is arranged by the conference of post-graduate dental deans of the English Universities and I understand that courses relating to AIDS are eligible for such funding. Expenses incurred by dentists, including those relating to the prevention of cross-infection, are reimbursed through the fee scale.
Government funding on education on AIDS has been primarily directed towards informing the general public about the AIDS virus and the precautions that can be taken to minimise its transmission, rather than towards any particular specialist field. A further sum has however been allocated for the training of professional staff in the counselling of patients.
§ Mr. Weetchasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) for each of the last 10 years, what were the amounts for the target average net income for dentists, as recommended by the Doctors' and Dentists' Review Body, as implemented, and as actually achieved by dentists;
(2) what was the percentage rise in the target average net income for dentists recommended by the Review Body and as agreed to by the Government in each of the last 10 years.
§ Mr. HayhoeThe following table gives the information requested.
451W
Dentists average net incomes, as recommended by Doctors' and Dentists' Review Body as implemented and as achieved 1976–77 to 1985–86 Target average net income recommended by DDRB Implemented target average net income Actual average net income Amount £ Annual percentage increase per cent. Amount £ Annual percentage increase per cent. £ 1976–77 1— — 5— — 7,974 1977–78 1— — 5— — 8,897 1978–79 28,829 — 8,829 — 9,442 1979–80 311,128 26.04 11,128 26.04 12,065 1980–81 14,675 31.87 14,675 31.87 14,282 1981–82 415,337 4.51 15,555 6.00 914,930 1982–83 16,880 10.06 16,435 5.66 1016,243 1983–84 17,890 5.98 617,556 6.82 n.a. 1984–85 19,100 6.76 718,707 6.56 n.a. 1985–86 20,280 6.18 820,083 7.36 n.a. Notes:
1 The review body did not recommend a target average net income. Under current pay restraint measures it recommended the payment of cash supplements to dentists of varying amounts.
2 The review body also indicated its judgment of the "fully up-to-date" level of remuneration which was £10,511.
3 The review body also indicated its judgment of the "fully up-to-date" level of remuneration which was £12,368.
4 The review body recommended that target average net income remain at £14,675 from 1 April 1981 and be increased to £16,000 with effect from 1 October 1981 (equivalent to £15,337 for 1981–82 as a whole).
5 The recommendations set out in note 1 were implemented.
6 Target average net income was set at £17,445 from 1 April 1983, increased to £17,890 on 1 January 1984 (equivalent to £17,556 for 1983–84 as a whole).
7 Target average net income was set at £18,427 from 1 April 1984, increased to £19,100 on 1 November 1984 (equivalent to £18,707 for 1984–85 as a whole).
8 Target average net income remained at £19,100 from 1 April 1984 and increased to £20,280 on 1 June 1985 (equivalent to £20,083 for 1985–86 as a whole).
9 Takes account of deduction of £440 in respect of overpayments in earlier years.
10 Takes account of deduction of £197 under the balancing arrangement.