asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will prohibit dentists from using NHS health centre facilities for the treatment of private patients; and if she will make a statement.

I see no need to alter the present arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total number of dentists (a) wholly in private practice and (b) part-time; and how many use NHS facilities for the treatment of private patients.

No information is available about either the number of dentists in whole-time private practice or how many NHS general dental practitioners, also practice privately. Six dentists providing general dental services in health centres have been granted permission to engage in a small proportion of private practice.As to hospital practice, 129 dental consultants are whole-time and 152 part-time consultants are contractually free to undertake private practice.