§ Lieut.-Commander Tufnellasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the circular recently sent to the secretaries of approved societies by the National Ophthalmic Treatment Board proposing to introduce a means test for ophthalmic treatment; whether he was consulted before this circular was issued; and whether he proposes to take any steps to meet the objections which have been put forward by friendly societies?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes." As regards the second part, I was advised by the National Ophthalmic Treatment Board of the changes they proposed to make in the relevant scale of charges as from the 1st July, 1942, and I informed the Board that these proposed changes were a matter for discussion in the first instance between the two parties mainly interested, namely, the board on the one hand and representatives of approved societies on the other. As regards the third part of the Question, I am informed that the operation of the new scale of charges has been postponed, pending a discussion of the whole situation with representatives of the bodies concerned.