43. Mr. R. J. WILSONasked the Minister of Health whether he has decided to set up a committee to inquire into the question of registering opticians; and, if so, will he state the terms of reference and the personnel of the Committee?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The terms of reference to the Commitee will be to consider the Optical Practitioners (Registration) Bill, and to make recommendations. The personnel of the Committee is not yet quite complete, but I hope to be in a position to announce its composition at an early date.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONMay I take it that the Committee's terms of reference and their deliberations will be entirely confined to the question of opticians only, and will not deal with any other section?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe Optical Practitioners (Registration) Bill is the one they will consider.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSCan the Minister say whether the Committee is likely to report before the 13th May, the date on which the Bill is set down for Second Reading?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI do not think I am in a position to answer that question. The Committee is only just being set up.