asked the Minister for Health the numbers of (a) pre-school, (b) primary school, and (c) other patients awaiting dental treatment from the health board service, and if he is satisfied with the situation.

On 31 December 1978 there were 58,343 national school and pre-school children awaiting routine dental treatment and 10,159 awaiting orthodontic treatment. Records maintained by the health boards do not enable a distinction to be made between pre-school and national school children awaiting treatment. The number of other patients awaiting dental treatment on that date was 35,675.

I have already indicated to the House that I am engaged on a comprehensive review of the public dental services and I shall inform the House as soon as I am in a position to announce plans to improve these services.

Is the Minister telling us that something over 100,000 people are awaiting treatment who are eligible for treatment?

58,343 national school and pre-school children awaiting routine dental treatment and 35,675 adults.

And the 10,000?

They are awaiting orthodontic treatment.

Over 100,000. Can the Minister give any indication as to when his new proposals may come into effect? I think he will appreciate that the present situation is less than satisfactory.

I have never been reluctant to admit that.

Has the Minister been anxious to improve it?

Yes.

Can the Minister give any indication as to when he may come forward with these new proposals?

The best I can say is, shortly, very soon.