HC Deb 27 October 2003 vol 412 cc94-5WS
Mr. Waterson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the future of the Dental Practice Board. [132641]

Ms Rosie Winterton

Clause 177 of the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill, currently before Parliament, provides for the abolition of the Dental Practice Board (DPB). The DPB will be replaced by a special health authority (SHA), established under section 11 of the 1977 Act by the Secretary of State and the Assembly. The new SHA will be cross-border, undertaking functions in relation to both England and Wales. The assets, liabilities and staff (subject to consultation) of the DPB will be transferred under section 11 powers to the new SHA. The new SHA will undertake monitoring and quality assurance functions in relation to the new primary dental services regime.

The DPB is currently subject to the Lyons review, which is examining the scope for relocation of public sector work from London and the south east. The outcome of the review is expected at the end of November 2003.