Written question asked by Paul Keetch (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 29 May 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 June 2003. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Monday, 9 June 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to improve the provision of NHS dentistry in Herefordshire; and if he will make a statement. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to improve the provision of NHS dentistry in Herefordshire; and if he will make a statement. [116883] Mr. Lammy: It is the intention of the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill to better match the provision of primary dental services with local oral health needs through local commissioning of the service. It is our intention that funding for primary dental services will be allocated direct to primary care trusts (PCTs), so that they will be in a position to secure primary dental services for their population. Herefordshire PCI will receive a cash increase of more than 30 per cent., over the period 2003 to 2006. The Government has already invested over £2 million in the Herefordshire dental access centre, which operates from six sites throughout the county.

Secondary information