§ Mr. Sean HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimated proportion of the costs of the general dental service will come from patients' charges assuming that continuing care payments are in place under the proposed new dental contract.
§ Mr. FreemanThe 1990–91 estimates laid before Parliament show income from patient charges for general dental services in England as £388 million—38 per cent. of the estimated cost.
§ Mr. Sean HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the total cost of the general dental service in the United Kingdom in terms of both current and constant prices over the last five financial years; and what are the best estimates for the costs of the service at current prices in 1989–90 and 1990–91.
§ Mr. FreemanThe gross cost of the general dental services in England in cash and at 1989–90 prices over the last five complete financial years is given in the table. The estimated outturn for 1989–90 is £970 million. The estimated gross cost of the general dental service in England in 1990–91, as shown in the main estimates, is £1,019.4 million. Information on the general dental services in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is a matter for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales and for Northern Ireland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyFormal applications for NHS trust status will not be made until Parliament has given approval to the necessary legislation. Only at this stage will units decide whether or not to submit a firm application. However, the following units in the North Western regional health authority have expressed an interest in trust status:
- Christie hospital
- Central Manchester hospital and community services
- Royal Preston hospital
- South Manchester health authority community unit
- Stepping Hill hospital and Stockport infirmary
- Wrightington hospital