asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the number of cases under appeal for NHS orthodontic treatment refused by the Dental Estimates Board, the average waiting time before hearing and the maximum time any current case has been under appeal.

In the year ended 31st December 1984, 379 appeals concerning orthodontic treatment were received. Information about the average waiting time of such appeals and the maximum time under appeal of an individual case involving orthodontic treatment is not readily available.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will confirm that the post of Chief Nursing Officer will not be abolished.

Our guidance circular on the implementation of the Griffiths Report requires health authorities to draw up revised management arrangements flowing from the establishment of the general management function at all levels of the National Health Service. It is open to health authorities to propose the arrangements they think best, given local management needs and potential, but we expect that they will continue to include a senior nursing adviser whose main responsibility is the provision and quality of nursing advice.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Why a student applying only for a minimum maintenance grant is compelled to disclose his or her income.

Students who are fully supported by a sponsoring employer are not eligible for payment of grant. Details of the student's income could therefore be required of all students, including those seeking a minimum maintenance award, in order to establish that the student is not being supported by an employer, and is therefore eligible to receive grant.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many staff in the Ministry of Defence are currently engaged in "original thinking on long term strategic options", and of these how many are

engaged in studying NATO area scenarios involving Soviet activities originating elsewhere than in the central region of NATO and specifically relating to:

Many staff in the Ministry of Defence number among their responsibilities the study of long-term strategic options, including those that relate to NATO area scenarios involving Soviet activities. But manpower statistics are not kept in a form that would enable precise numbers to be calculated. Due account is taken of all developments in Soviet activities when defence policy is formulated.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When the Designation Order for the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty will be confirmed.

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment is still considering this matter. A further announcement will be made as soon as possible.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, in view of the attempt reportedly being made by the Council of the London Borough of Newham to remove the Director of Education, they will consider taking steps to protect local government officials from being dismissed for reasons in no way related to the efficiency with which they carry out their duties.

This Government deplore unreasonable conduct, wherever it occurs. However, local authorities are responsible for management issues affecting their staff. I should point out that the employment protection legislation includes the right not to be unfairly dismissed.