To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from the General Dental Service Committee concerning the proposed payment system for dentists.

The proposed increase in target net income of 8·5 per cent. which was recommended by the Doctors and Dentists Review Body (DDRB) was accepted by the Government. To ensure that the level at which fees are pitched in the coming year will deliver this proposed increase in dentists' net income, the Health Departments consulted the General Dental Services Committee (GDSC). Following discussions between the GDSC and the Health Departments agreement was reached to hold a joint inquiry to review the level of payments to dentists in 1991–92, the results of which will be considered by the Health Departments and the GDSC in May when they reconsider the appropriate fee scale for 1992–93; simultaneously, they will begin a more fundamental review of the structure of dentists' remuneration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dentists in the Durham area have indicated that they will no longer treat people aged 18 to 64 years who are not eligible for free service.

Last September we asked family health services authorities to conduct on our behalf a sample survey of 20 per cent. of dentists on their dental lists. All the dentists in Durham who took part in the survey indicated they would continue NHS treatment for adults, including those who pay charges.