Written question asked by Bob Blizzard (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 10 April 2001. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 April 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will introduce free dental treatment for all people over 75 years of age.

Answer: Mr. Blizzard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce free dental treatment for all people over 75 years of age. [157157] Mr. Hutton: We have no plans to introduce free dental treatment for all people over 75 years of age; we believe that it is a better use of limited resources to base help with charges for NHS dentistry on the individual's ability to pay, so ensuring help is focused on those who need it most. Pensioners who get Income Support pay nothing for their dental treatment and under the National Health Service low income scheme some are entitled to free treatment, while others, who are not entitled to full remission of charges, can get partial help.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 157157; 366 c605W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Dental services Dentistry Fees and charges NHS Pensioners Low incomes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk