§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what arrangements he made to distribute the new dental estimate forms; and if he is satisfied that sufficient supplies of the new forms were available on the appropriate date;
(2) what arrangements he made to inform general dental practitioners of the changes consequent on the introduction of new dental estimate forms; if any special arrangements were made to inform dental receptionists about the use of these forms; if he issued any separate instructions on advising people on low incomes in their use, in particular in relation to form AG; and whether he has made any plans to issue advice to patients on the completing of these forms.
§ Mrs. CurrieGuidance concerning the revised procedures for remission of dental charges on grounds of low income which came into effect on 11 April, and supplies of the new estimate forms were sent well in advance of that date to each family practitioner committee for distribution to general dental practitioners. I have no reason to believe that practitioners did not receive them by 11 April. Practitioners are responsible for training their staff in new procedures. Advice on completion of form AG1 is contained in the form itself. The form also indicates where further information can be obtained.