HC Deb 07 March 1955 vol 538 cc27-8
29. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Health when he proposes to introduce legislation for the registration of ophthalmic and dispensing opticians.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

I fear that my right hon. Friend can hold out no hope of legislation on this subject at present.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Will the Parliamentary Secretary discuss this matter with her right hon. Friend? As the Crook Committee's Report has now been standing for some three years, and as I understand the opticians themselves have got together upon the matter and there are now no professional difficulties, cannot we have some promise of legislation?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

I quite agree, but the difficulty is with the time-table of the House and not with the profession at the present moment.

Mr. Marquand

Will the hon. Lady assure the Leader of the House that legislation of this kind will be morefavourably received than the Dentists' Bill, which we are still awaiting?