§ Mr. MurphyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what steps he is taking to safeguard NHS dentistry services in(a) Torfaen, (b) Gwent and (c) Wales; [30981]
(2) what measures he is taking to increase the number of NHS dentists in Wales; [31006]
(3) what steps he is taking to increase the number of dentists in (a) Torfaen, (b) Gwent and (c) Wales. [30982]
§ Mr. HagueOn 21 September last year, my hon. Friend the Member for Clwyd, North-West (Mr. Richards) announced details of a £3 million initiative to attract more dentists into Wales. The initiative enabled Welsh health490W authorities to offer grants of up to £50,000 to attract new dentists into their areas. Grants of £25,000 were available for most parts of the Torfaen area.
By the end of April, nearly £2 million has been offered in grants for:
Wales Gwent Torfaen New practices 20 2 1 Existing practices being expanded 12 2 New community dental service posts 16 3 1