asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received to the effect that the introduction of increased dental charges will result in a decline in preventive and timely treatment; and whether he will make a statement.

We have received a number of letters on this point and a deputation from the British Dental Association, I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Members for Blaydon (Mr. McWilliam), Berwick and East Lothian (Mr. Home Robertson) and Burnley (Mr. Jones) on 9 March—[Vol. 19, c. 388–9.]