§ 38. Mr. Fisherasked 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 DunwoodyInformation 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. FisherWhile 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. DunwoodyI 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.