Covid-19: R Rate and Lockdown Measures

Lord Duncan of Springbank Excerpts

Tuesday 9th June 2020 Lords Chamber

[Lord Bethell [V]]

I completely agree with the noble Lord that we need to get the economy back, and I very much agree with his last word—safely. The CMO’s advice is very clear that social distancing of two metres makes a very big difference compared with one metre. When the time comes to move from two metres to one metre, we will very clear about that moment, and I, for one, will celebrate the reopening of restaurants and pubs, which are a source of great joy and happiness for the nation.

[The Deputy Speaker (Lord Duncan of Springbank) (Con)]

My Lords, the time allowed for questions has now elapsed.

Dental Care

Lord Duncan of Springbank Excerpts

Wednesday 20th May 2020 Lords Chamber

[Lord Bethell]

The noble Lord’s concerns are well understood. Practices that depend on private income are particularly affected, because the NHS has guaranteed the income to NHS practices for their NHS work. We are working on a UK-wide national plan, and it is a massive priority for the Government.

[Lord Duncan of Springbank (Con)]

My Lords, I echo the points made by the previous speaker: £7.8 billion is spent on private dental health care, yet dental practices of this nature are among the only businesses not to receive the full business rate relief. Will the Minister commit to ensuring that they receive adequate provision, as a matter of urgency, to ensure that these practitioners do not disappear from the high street?

[Lord Bethell]

My Lords, I cannot make the commitment that my noble friend seeks at the Dispatch Box, but I promise to convey his thoughts to the discussions taking place between DHSC colleagues and the Treasury.