§ 2.45 p.m.
§ LORD MILNER OF LEEDSMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, having regard to the fact that it is now five years since the Crook Committee reported unanimously in favour of the Registration of Opticians and to the various promises on the subject, consideration will be given to its inclusion into the gracious Speech opening the next Session of Parliament.]
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, SCOTTISH OFF ICE (LORD STRATHCLYDE)My Lords, the introduction of legislation for the registration of opticians is still dependent on Parliamentary time becoming available, as was stated by the noble Earl the Leader of the House on February 5. I fear that I cannot give any indication whether it will be possible to include it in the programme for next Session but preliminary work is proceeding.
§ LORD MILNER OF LEEDSMy Lords, is the noble Lord not aware that this matter is quite non-controversial, that the Report of the Committee was unanimous, and that the Parliamentary time involved would be very short indeed?
§ LORD STRATHCLYDEMy Lords, I understand that to be the case.