§ Mr. GorstTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give the percentage increase of fees allowed to dentists in the NHS for laboratory services in 1989 and 1990; and if he has any plans to increase these in 1991 to take into account the raised rate of VAT in force.
§ Mr. DorrellFees for NHS dental treatment provided under the general dental service are set by the independent dental rates study group (DRSG). Where laboratory work is involved, DRSG uses a sample of current trade catalogues to calculate the average laboratory component of each item of treatment priced. The overall increase in the laboratory costs used by the DRSG in 1989 and 1990 was 1.04 per cent. and 5.36 per cent. respectively. We expect to receive the report of the 1991 DRSG shortly, and I understand that the group's recommendations have taken account of the effect of the change in the rate of VAT.
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§ Mr. GorstTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to ensure that NHS dentists do not cut costs by using inferior laboratory services; and if he will ensure that all NHS dentists purchase their laboratory work only from laboratories registered with the CADLAS certification scheme.
§ Mr. DorrellGeneral dental practitioners (GDPs) are required by their terms of service to use only materials which are suitable for the purpose for which they are used. GDPs are, however, independent contractors with family health services authorities and are free to buy products from the dental laboratories of their own choosing. It follows that, while the Government welcome CADLAS, it is not prepared to countenance the restrictive rule suggested by my hon. Friend.