§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) when he expects to publish regulations to enable children of low visual acuity to get plastic single vision lenses free of charge;
(2) what is the difference in the charge made to his Department between lenses made of plastic and glass lenses for children's spectacles;
(3) when he proposes to extend the availability of plastic single vision full aperture glasses to all children of school age.
§ Mr. MoyleThe National Health Service (General Ophthalmic Services) Amendment Regulations 1977, S.I. 1977 No. 1999, which enable single vision plastic lenses to be provided free of charge under the general ophthalmic services for children with very poor sight, came into effect on 1st February 1978. The reimbursement rates for the lenses have not yet been fixed because it has not been possible to reconcile differences in the prices of the two types of plastic lens which might be used in children's spectacles. The lenses will be introduced as soon as the rates are settled but I would not wish to prejudice the possibility of further negotiation by setting a firm date now. I cannot say at present whether it will be possible to make the lenses available to other children.