YORKSHIRE POST'S STOP THE ROT CAMPAIGN

Early day motion 672, tabled 21 July 2005 by Greg Mulholland (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 15 members.

That this House welcomes the Yorkshire Post's stop the rot campaign to end the scandal of patients being denied access to NHS dental care; notes that this campaign urges the Government to modernise dentists' contracts in order to keep existing practitioners in the NHS, keep NHS fees for patients affordable and expand training at dental schools in Leeds and Sheffield; further notes the Yorkshire Post's survey revealing that dental provision in Yorkshire is now worse than it was in the previous year, with only 16 per cent. of practices in the region now accepting NHS patients for routine check-ups compared with 28 per cent. a year ago; calls on the Government to work with the dental profession, the British Dental Association, primary care trusts and health authorities to ensure that new dentists are brought into NHS practices and that those currently practising in the NHS continue to perform their valued and vital role; and urges other regional and local media around the country to support similar campaigns.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 9, Conservative 3, DUP 2, UUP 1.