asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of the shortage of dentists in the Wellingborough area, what steps she proposes to take to improve the position.

The number of dentists on the register is increasing each year as a result of additional places provided in dental schools. The Northamptonshire Area Health Authority and Family Practitioner Committee are considering what steps can be taken to attract more dentists to Wellingborough and I understand that the health authority has written to the hon. Member about this. Unlike doctors, for dentists in general practice there is no system agreed and administered by the profession to restrict entry into practice in places where there are already enough practitioners.