§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the total amount raised from all charges on NHS dental services.
§ Dr. MawhinneyIn 1992–93 patient charge income from the general dental services was £394.8 million, net of refunds to patients. Information is not available centrally on the small amount of income raised by the limited range of patient charges applicable in the community and hospital dental services.
§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much would be raised if the amount paid for a course of NHS dental treatment by a patient not exempt from charges was raised from 80 per cent. of the cost of treatment to(a) 85 per cent., (b) 90 per cent., (c) 95 per cent. and (d) 100 per cent.
§ Dr. MawhinneyEach additional 5 per cent. increase in the rate of the proportional charge would raise between £20 million and £25 million. This estimate is made on the assumption that there is no change in the demand for or supply of dental treatment under the general dental services.
§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what would be the total annual saving to the Exchequer of removing the exemption for pregnant women and nursing mothers from dental examination and treatment charges.
§ Dr. MawhinneySome £23 million in 1992–93.