§ 5. Dr. Broughtonasked the Minister of Health what is the number of ophthalmic opticians in England and Wales now employed in providing optical treatment within the National Health Service.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopFive thousand six hundred and sixty-two.
§ Dr. BroughtonDoes my hon. Friend consider this number sufficient to meet the needs of the National Health Service, 2637 and is he satisfied that ophthalmic opticians as a whole have shown that high standard of professional service which the Minister expected?
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWe are hoping for an increase in the numbers which will become available for the service, and we feel that in general the professional standard of ophthalmic opticians is high.
§ Mr. TolleyCan my hon. Friend tell-us what percentage of the number of available opticians are out of the scheme at present?
§ Mr. BlenkinsopNot without notice.