HC Deb 19 October 1998 vol 317 cc980-1W
Mr. Hunter

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what criteria he takes into consideration to ensure that the composition of the General Dental Council represents and reflects the public interest; [55196]

(2) if he will increase the number of lay persons serving on the General Dental Council. [55197]

Mr. Milburn

In the consultation documentA First Class Service: Quality in the NHS published in July we suggested that, for professional regulation to continue to enjoy public confidence, regulatory bodies must be open to public scrutiny and responsive to changing clinical practice and public needs. In this context we welcomed proposals from the General Dental Council to make a significant increase in their lay membership.

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