asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will show, for the year 1979 and for the most recent year available (i) the total number of dentists employed by, or under contract to, the National Health Service, (ii) the average income of a dentist under contract to the National Health Service, both in money and real terms and (iii) the total cost to the National Health Service of dentistry in money and real terms.

I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.