§ Mr. NichollsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will use his powers under the Health Act 1998 to change the membership of the General Dental Council; what is the constitution of the present Council, as regards representation of dentists, professions complimentary to medicine and laymen; and if he will make a statement. [R] [138260]
§ Mr. HuttonThe General Dental Council currently comprises 50 members of whom 41 are dentists, six are lay people, three are doctors and one a professional complementary to dentistry. In consultation with the Department, the Council is working up proposals for a smaller Council with a much larger proportion of lay members. We will use powers under Section 60 of the Health Act 1999 to implement these changes. We plan to lay an Order before Parliament early in 2001.