§ Ms KeebleTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Cann) of 6 June,Official Report, column 282, for what reasons the costs were higher in 1992–93 than in 1996–97. [7383]
§ Mr. MilburnIn 1992–93 the dental fee scale that was in place was delivering a higher target net income than the Doctor and Dentists Review Body (DDRB) had recommended. Since January 1994, the way in which dental remuneration is set has changed; the DDRB has recommended a percentage uplift in the fees. Despite the increase in fees from 1994, changes to the complexity and volume of work done under the General Dental Service have meant that treatment costs in 1996–97 have only returned close to 1992–93 levels.