HC Deb 13 April 1970 vol 799 c1023
38. Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total cost of sight-testing and optical appliances per annum, to the nearest convenient date; how much of this came from public funds; and how much was contributed by individuals.

Dr. John Dunwoody

Information in the form requested is not available. The gross cost of the General Ophthalmic Services in England and Wales in the financial year ended 31st March, 1969 was £22.5 million, of which £8.4 million was met by charges to patients.

Mr. Fisher

While I accept that there are other sectors of the Health Service which have, rightly, a greater claim upon our resources than this, my information, which I should like the hon. Gentleman to confirm, is that about two-thirds of the total cost is met by individual patients out of their own pockets. Is this not a very high proportion indeed for what is claimed to be a free health service?

Dr. Dunwoody

I think that the hon. Member is misinformed. Of the total of £22½ million that the service costs, charges to patients comprise approximately £7½ million for lenses and £900,000 for frames.