§ 81. Mr. Skinnardasked the Minister of Health what complaints he has received that opticians are advising customers that if private payment is made, prescribed spectacles can be provided much more quickly than if the customer elects to receive the spectacles free under the National Health Service; whether he will make inquiries as to the source of supply and ensure that materials are distributed with more regard to the optical requirements of patients.
§ Mr. BevanA few complaints have been received, some of which relate to appliances of a type not available under the National Health Service. The organisations representing opticians deplore any preference for private patients and I do not think further action is called for.