HC Deb 18 March 1948 vol 448 cc2291-2
86. Mr. Hastings

asked the President of the Board of Trade why ophthalmic optical products were not included in recent price control orders; and whether in the interest of national economy and of the large section of the public in need of visual aids, he will consider issuing orders for the control of the manufacturing and wholesale prices of such products.

Mr. H. Wilson

These goods are controlled in price by the Prices of Goods Act, 1939, as amended. The form of price control adopted in the Miscellaneous Goods (Maximum Prices) Order, to which my hon. Friend presumably refers, is not very suitable for goods such as these which are supplied to suit individual needs. The Central Price Regulation Committee propose to discuss with the manufacturers and wholesalers the current prices of these products and, meanwhile, will arrange for any complaints of overcharging to be investigated.

The prices of optical products supplied at present under ophthalmic benefits given by Approved Societies are already satisfactorily controlled by agreement with the manufacturers and wholesalers and the extension of this arrangement in July to cover such goods provided under the National Insurance Scheme is being considered by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.