§ Mr. Gareth WardellTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list in theOfficial Report those district health authorities in Wales which have implemented his Department's recommendation in the circular on community dental services issued on 6 April 1989 that an annual reminder should be sent to parents about the benefits of regular dental examinations for their children.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettThis information is not available centrally. Responsibility for the issue of annual reminders rests with district health authorities.
§ Mr. Gareth WardellTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish the procedures his Department has adopted to enable him to assess whether district health authorities have provided the necessary annual screening of the teeth of children in state-funded schools in areas of poor dental health and where availability of general dental services is poor.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettHealth authorities are required annually to provide the Department with statistical returns, including information on the screening of the teeth of school children. This information is published annually in "Health and Personal Social Services Statistics180W for Wales", copies of which are available in the Library of the House. The level and frequency of screening is a matter for local determination by health authorities.
§ Mr. Gareth WardellTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place in the Library a copy of the guidance on the development of the new management information system referred to in paragraph 4 of his departmental circular on community dental services issued on 6 April 1989.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettSince the publication of WHC(89)28 "The Future Development of Community Health Services" and following consultation with the national health service in Wales, a management information system providing an improved level of information has now been successfully piloted. Its introduction throughout Wales is currently under consideration.