HC Deb 25 May 1971 vol 818 cc218-9
19. Mr. Strang

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received in connection with the issue of leaflet F11 to dentists and opticians on how to claim exemption from optical and dental charges; and what replies he has sent.

Mr. Dean

The British Dental Association wrote to my right hon. Friend about delay in receiving copies of form F11—which were sent to it for information—and pointed out an omission from the form. In his reply my right hon. Friend gave the reasons for the late deliveries and also said what was done about the omission.

Mr. Strang

Is the Minister aware that the form is bureaucracy run mad, and that many people will have great difficulty in understanding it? What estimate has he made of the number of additional civil servants required to process these incredible application forms?

Mr. Dean

We have done our utmost to make the forms a great deal simpler, and we have received many appreciative comments. If the hon. Gentleman would like to try his hand at simplifying it, I should be very glad to see his version.