HC Deb 13 June 2003 vol 406 c352W
23. Mr. Beith

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent steps have been taken to secure access to NHS dental treatment in the Berwick-upon-Tweed constituency. [116546]

Mr. Lammy

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on 18 March at column 758. The Government are aware that Northumberland Care Trust has been concerned about access to NHS dentistry in Berwick-upon-Tweed. We approved funding for the Trust to appoint a part-time salaried dental practitioner to work in the Berwick Royal Infirmary to address these issues in the short term while longer-term solutions are considered and my officials are supporting the local NHS to recruit to the post.