HC Deb 07 July 1949 vol 466 cc2325-6
24. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Minister of Health how many deaf aids and surgical appliances, dental treatment and pairs of spectacles and any other specialised service of which he has a record have been supplied since the National Health Service came into operation.

Mr. Bevan

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, give the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Freeman

Has the right hon. Gentleman any comparative figures of previous periods dealing with this same subject, and if so, will be publish them at the same time?

Mr. Bevan

I think that there are no such figures.

Following is the information:

Number of items provided in England and Wales since 5th July, 1948.

Hearing aids (electrical and non-electrical)—27,000.

Surgical and medical appliances (hospital service)—164,000 (see note (a)).

Dental treatments (in general service)—6,800,000 (see note (b)).

Glasses (supplementary ophthalmic service)—4,500,000 (see note (c)).

  1. (a) Figures for appliances supplied through the general medical service are not available.
  2. (b) This includes all forms of treatment, and is not limited to dentures. Figures for dental treatment at hospital are not available.
  3. (c) Figures for glasses supplied through the hospital eye service are not available.