asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many staff were employed in the dental officer reference service in his Department in each of the last three years; if he has accepted the recommendation of the dental strategy review group to strengthen this service; and if he will make a statement.
| The number of staff at offices dealing with the Birmingham, Stechford constituency | ||||
| 1 October 1982 | 1 October 1981 | 1 October 1980 | 1 October 1979 | |
| Birmingham, Washwood Heath | 139 | 130 | 174 | 182 |
| Birmingham, Erdington | 165 | 164 | 183 | 179 |
| Number of non-pensioner and pensioner claimants at offices dealing with the Birmingham, Stechford constituency | ||||
| 31 August 1982 | 1 September 1981 | 2 September 1980 | 4 September 1979 | |
| Supplementary benefits Birmingham, Washwood Heath | ||||
| Non-pensioners | 8,356 | 6,366 | 5,793 | 5,389 |
| Pensioners | 4,977 | 5,162 | 5,407 | 5,668 |
| Birmingham, Erdington | ||||
| Non-pensioners | 9,339 | 8,406 | 5,800 | 5,649 |
| Pensioners | 4,771 | 6,276 | 6,471 | 6,429 |
| Contributory benefits Birmingham, Washwood Heath | ||||
| Non-pensioners | 848 | 1,325 | 1,695 | 2,125 |
| Pensioners | 651 | 1,088 | 905 | 1,214 |
The numbers of dental officers employed in the dental officer reference service in the last three years are:
| Senior Dental Officer | Dental Officer | |
| At 31 October 1980 | 3 | 28 |
| 31 October 1981 | 2 | 26 |
| 20 October | 1 | 23 |
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the dental strategy review group submitted its latest recommendations; what was the final date for receiving comments from the profession; how many recommendations are still being considered; and if he will make a statement.
The dental strategy review group's report "Towards Better Dental Health—Guidelines for the Future" was submitted in August last year and the consultation period ended on 31 January 1982. The report is of major importance and we have been considering very carefully all of the recommendations in the light of the many comments received. The decision to close the School for Dental Therapists at New Cross was made earlier this year. We aim to make an announcement shortly on other recommendations.