HC Deb 28 July 1998 vol 317 c169W
35. Jackie Ballard

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on access to NHS dentistry in Somerset. [51010]

Mr. Milburn

Health authorities are responsible for monitoring the availability of general dental services in their area. If access to services is seriously limited, they can apply to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for help under the Investing in Dentistry scheme, to tackle these mainly localised problems. To date, five requests from Somerset Health Authority have been authorised to help improve access where a deficiency in services has occurred.