§ 41. Mr. BURNETTasked the Minister of Health whether the names of the Ophthalmic Benefit Joint Committee have been lodged with him; and, if so, whether representation has been given to the Scottish Association of Opticians as the only examining optical body in Scotland?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)The Ophthalmic Benefit Joint Committee is a non-statutory and unofficial body, and my right hon. Friend is not responsible for its constitution. A copy of a recent report of the committee, in which a list of the members is given, has, however, been sent to my right hon. Friend, and from this it appears that direct representation on the committee has not been given to the Scottish Association of Opticians.
§ Mr. BURNETTWill my hon. Friend represent that the claims of Scotland should not be overlooked in this matter?