Vol. 443 No. 3
65 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some health boards have had difficulty in obtaining consultant orthodontists; the reason for such difficulty; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Most health boards have recruited consultant orthodontists but the efforts of two boards, the Midland and the North-Eastern have not, so far, met with success. In the meantime these two boards have made alternative arrangements with private specialists for the provision of services.
The numbers of persons with consultant qualifications is limited and the public sector has to compete with the attractions of private practice where these highly qualified persons are also much in demand.
