asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the most recent average cost available for a course of dental treatment completed under National Health Service regulations.

In 1981–82 the average cost in England across all patient groups of a course of NHS general dental treatment—excluding courses containing examination and report only—was about £22; the average patient's charge was under £6. For patients aged 18 or more, the average cost of treatment—excluding examination and report only courses—was about £26 and the average charge about £8.