Monmouth MP David Davies has sparked a national debate after suggesting dental tests could determine the age of child migrants.

After the arrival of 14 migrant children from the Calais ‘Jungle’ on Monday, Mr Davies echoed portions of the media, saying ‘they don’t look like children’.

The Conservative MP said dental checks would confirm the ages of those arriving in Britain and ensure that ‘British hospitality is not being abused’.

But this is disputed by the British Dental Association, who called the comments ‘unethical’.

A spokesman for the BDA said, "We are vigorously opposed to the use of dental X-rays to determine whether asylum seekers have reached 18.

"It’s not only an inaccurate method for assessing age, but it is both inappropriate and unethical to take radiographs of people when there is no health benefit for them.

"X-rays taken for a clinically justified reason must not be used for another purpose without the patient’s informed consent, without coercion and in full knowledge of how the radiograph will be used and by whom.”

A Home Office study last year found that 65% of child migrants whose age had been disputed, were found to be over 18-years-old.