HC Deb 22 July 2004 vol 424 cc629-30W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will commission research into the use of dogs trained to alert people with epilepsy of an impending fit; and if he will make a statement. [184208]

Dr. Ladyman

No. The main agency through which the Government support medical and clinical research is the Medical Research (MRC). The MRC is an independent body funded by the Department of Trade

Ms Rosie Winterton

Information on the total number of dentists leaving the general dental service (GDS) or personal dental service (PDS) is given in the table. Information is not available on the reason for leaving. The leavers include dentists who are retiring or taking a career break.

General dental service and personal dental service: Number of leavers at 30 September each year—England and Wales
Exits
1998 1,000
1999 1,066
2000 1,228
2001 1,257
2002 1,374
2003 1,256
Source:
Dental Practice Board

Dentists on the GDS and PDS are mainly self-employed and are free to vary the amount of national health service work they do. Information is not collected on private working.