Written question asked by Jackie Ballard (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 14 July 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 28 July 1998. It was answered by Alan Milburn (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 July 1998 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will comment on access to NHS dentistry in Somerset. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Jackie Ballard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on access to NHS dentistry in Somerset. [51010] Mr. Milburn: Health authorities are responsible for monitoring the availability of general dental services in their area. If access to services is seriously limited, they can apply to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for help under the Investing in Dentistry scheme, to tackle these mainly localised problems. To date, five requests from Somerset Health Authority have been authorised to help improve access where a deficiency in services has occurred.

Secondary information