§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many styles of spectacle frames are now on offer within the National Health Service; how many have side pieces which attach midway on the lens frame; when the last new style was added to the range; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleMy Department lays down only broad descriptions of the type of frame available through the National Health Service: within these specifications styling is a matter for the individual manufacturer. At present, of 12 speci- 631W fications for frames for adults—of which some differ only in the type of side pieces—six would permit centre joints and four such frames are at present manufactured. In the children's range all the specifications are wide enough to permit centre joints, and three such frames are available.
Modifications to the range of NHS frames are made from time to time—the latest being to make generally available, from 1st January 1979, metal whole-eye frames in the adult range without their present plastic covering. There have been preliminary discussions with the manufacturers about the feasibility of improving the range of frames, and, while recognising that extension or major updating of the range would have substantial expenditure implications, we have the matter under consideration.