HC Deb 14 June 1951 vol 488 cc203-4W
68. Mr. Boardman

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the charges now being made for spectacles supplied under the National Health Service, he will abolish the system of prior medical certification.

Mr. Marquand

This is intended to enable the doctor to decide whether the patient's trouble is due to need for spectacles or to some other cause requiring different treatment. This is not affected by the introduction of charges.

80 and 81. Sir J. Lucas

asked the Minister of Health (1) why Mr. Godding, 67 Madeira Road, North End, Portsmouth, is being made to pay for his glasses, in view of the fact that he applied for a sight test before 21st May;

(2) if he will issue instructions that the date of application for a sight test, if properly authenticated, shall be the deciding factor whether a charge is payable or not for spectacles ordered.

Mr. Marquand

With permission I will answer this and the following Question together. The Act provides that the governing date shall be that on which the sight-test is given, and this could only be varied by an amending Act.

82. Mr. John Rodgers

asked the Minister of Health upon what principles he bases his calculations imposing a charge of £1 for a pair of spectacles, in view of the fact that the recent Act imposed one of 50 per cent. of the cost, whereas £1 is greatly in excess of this.

Mr. Marquand

The charges authorised by the Act of 1951 are those specified in the Schedule.