HC Deb 18 January 1993 vol 217 c95W
Mr. Nigel Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she has received the Bloomfield report; and if she will make a statement.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

I am pleased to announce that Sir Kenneth Bloomfield has now submitted his report reviewing the current dental remuneration system and identifying options for change. I am today publishing his report and beginning a period of consultation on it to identify how we might improve the system. Copies have been placed in the Library.

I should like to record my thanks to Sir Kenneth for a comprehensive and valuable report. The next step is to consider the views of all the interests—profession, public, national health service—to develop a better system. I know the Health Select Committee has an enquiry into this subject. Many dentists have made clear their concern about the current remuneration system which has remained largely unchanged since 1948. Now is the time to work with us to improve it.

The Government will consider carefully all views expressed over the coming months.

Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she expects the Bloomfield report on dental remuneration to be made public.

Dr. Mawhinney

Today.