Dewsbury MP wants a reply
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- Published: Monday, 16 January 2017 07:43
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Paula Sherriff Labour MP for Dewsbury recently raised the lack of NHS dentists in the House of Commons, during Business Questions. She asked why the Government did not appear to care about the teeth of people in her constituency, where the incidence of child tooth decay is five times the national average.
Business Questions House of Commons
Paula Sherriff MP said: Well over a year ago, I told the House that there is not a single NHS dentist available in my constituency and that the incidence of child tooth decay is five times the national average. Indeed, I understand that my constituency is one of the worst in the country, if not the worst, for dentist provision. I further raised the issue in a meeting with the Under-Secretary of State for Health, David Mowat, on 7 November 2016, and I have heard absolutely nothing, despite his promises. Can the Leader of the House advise the House on why the Government do not appear to care about the teeth of people in the Dewsbury constituency?
David Lidington MP Leader of the House of Commons replied: “The hon. Lady says that she had a meeting a few weeks ago, before Christmas, with the Minister concerned, but I will ask the Department of Health to follow up in writing on the outcome of the meeting.”
Paula Sherriff had raised the topic at Health Questions in October. She said that in May 2016 a Health Minister had confirmed that her constituency fell far below the national average in terms of NHS dental provision. “In fact, it is one of the worst in the country”, she said. “Unfortunately, nothing has changed since then. Does the Secretary of State believe it is acceptable that my constituents, including many children, are unable to get an NHS dentist?” she asked.
Minister David Mowat replied saying that it was “clearly unacceptable if the situation that the hon. Lady sets out is the case”. He said he was happy to meet her and work with her to take the action that was needed to make things better.
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