§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what representations he has received regarding the future of the University of Edinburgh dental school; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what arrangements have been made for specialist care and continuing education following the closure of the University of Edinburgh dental school; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StewartDiscussions between the University of Edinburgh and Lothian health board and the Scottish Office Home and Health Department about the proposed new Edinburgh dental hospital continue. My right hon. Friend remains fully committed to providing such capital investment as is necessary to establish the dental hospital. It will be for the Edinburgh royal infirmary NHS trust, if its application for trust status is approved, to take forward plans for a new dental hospital and for continuing dental education and to negotiate contracts for the provision of specialised dental services with prospective purchasing health boards.