asked the Minister for Health the total number of dentures supplied by each health authority in the years 1948, 1949 and 1950.

As I indicated in reply to a recent question, the information is not available in my Department and I would not feel justified in asking local authorities to search their records with a view to extracting it if that were feasible.

I may say, however, that it is common knowledge that the public dental services available in the years in question were rudimentary.

Would the Minister agree they are still rudimentary?

No, I would not. They are not what we should like them to be, but during the past three years there has been a very considerable improvement which can be measured by the amount of money the taxpayer is providing.

The taxpayer is providing £200,000.

What are the Minister's views on the withdrawal by the local authorities of dental treatment from persons who have reached 60 years of age?

I am afraid the Deputy will have to put down a question on that. I must have notice of it.