HC Deb 23 March 1950 vol 472 cc2142-3
36. Mr. John E. Haire

asked the Minister of Health what is the present delay in the supply of spectacles under the National Health Service; and when it is hoped to overtake the demand.

79. Mr. Sutcliffe

asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made in the reduction of the waiting period for spectacles, as compared with six months ago

Mr. Bevan

The average delay is now a little over four months, compared with some six months last autumn, and is rapidly decreasing. Supply has exceeded demand for some months and the greater part of the arrears should be overtaken before the end of the year.

Mr. Haire

While appreciating the improvement, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is aware that the delay in the case of children is still distressingly long? Would my right hon. Friend urge opticians to establish some measure of priority for children, because of their rapidly changing eyesight?

Mr. Bevan

I asked opticians many months ago to give priority to children and sick people.

43. Mr. McAdden

asked the Minister of Health when Miss Palmer, 7, Bournemouth Park Road, Southend-on-Sea, is likely to receive the pair of spectacles ordered by her on 3rd June, 1949, under the National Health Scheme, through Mr. Vennall, optician, Southchurch Road, Southend, against prescription No. D. 1022.

Mr. Bevan

Soon, I hope. I understand there was no case for any priority here.

Mr. McAdden

Although there is no question of priority here, according to the Minister, will he remember that quite a short while ago the delay was four months whereas this lady has been waiting for 10 months? Is there any chance of her getting them before the next General Election?

Mr. Bevan

The period of delay is now rapidly decreasing.

Mr. Keeling

Will the Minister give an assurance that any ginger he proposes to apply to the supply of spectacles to Southend-on-Sea will not slow down the rate of production for Twickenham-on-Thames?