§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the number of dentists now leaving dentistry in Wales and in the United Kingdom for practices abroad.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThis information is not held centrally.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the number of dentists in the national health service in Wales who are not accepting new patients.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThis information is not held centrally. General dental practitioners are independent contractors who are free to decide which patients to accept or reject.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many dentists are awaiting determination of or have declared bankruptcy in Wales in each of the last three years.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesI refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply that my right hon. Friend gave him on 2 June 1992 at cols.433–35.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives he proposes to improve working conditions of dentists in the national health service in Wales.
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§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe working conditions of general dental practitioners at their practice premises are their own responsibility, subject to health and safety regulations. In broader terms, the Government have initiated a fundamental review of the dental remuneration system. This review is being undertaken by Sir Kenneth Bloomfield who is to report by the end of the year.