§ Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will discuss with the British Dental Association the need to avoid cuts in fees paid by his Department; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will make a statement on the payment of the arrears of fees for dentists following the recommendations by the pay review body.
§ Mr. DorrellThe proposed increase in target net income of 8.5 per cent. which was recommended by the Doctors and Dentists Review Body (DDRB) was accepted by the Government. To ensure that the level at which fees are pitched in the coming year will deliver this proposed increase in dentists' net income the health departments consulted the British Dental Association (BDA). Following discussions between the British Dental Association and the health departments, agreement was reached to hold a joint inquiry to review the level of payments to dentists in 1991–92, the results of which will be considered by the Health departments and the British Dental Association in May when they reconsider the appropriate fee scale for 1992–93; simultaneously, they will begin a more fundamental review of the structure of dentists' remuneration.