§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the Minister for Health intends to reply to the letter sent to him on 13 February by the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton regarding optical services; and what is the reason for the two and a half months' delay in replying.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI shall let my hon. Friend have a considered reply as quickly as possible. The Department's resources have been considerably stretched in preparing replies to the nearly 1,500 letters that we have received on this subject as a result of a legitimate and well—organised lobbying campaign.