§ Mr. MansTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the introduction of dental charges for civilian staff, their dependants and the dependants of service men overseas. [24544]
§ Mr. SoamesWe intend to bring practice in regard to dental charges overseas into line with that in the United Kingdom. Hence we have decided to introduce, with effect from 1 June, charges for dental treatment provided by overseas service dental establishments and by civilian practices in overseas locations without service facilities, to UK-based civilian staff, their dependants, and the dependants of service personnel. Charges will be in line with those fees currently charged to NHS patients in the United Kingdom. Normal exemption rules will apply. Additionally, dependants of gurkhas serving in Hong Kong will be exempt from these charges, as will service dependants who are serving and residing in Hong Kong, and UK-based civilians and their dependants who are also serving and residing in Hong Kong.