§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will consider setting up an investigation into the effect of the escalating costs of spectacles upon the frequency with which people who suffer from defective and deteriorating eyesight seek optical examinations and 174W acquire new lenses; and if he will publish updated figures for the profitability of the optical industry, from lens and frame manufacture to the provision of spectacles to the customer, as compared with figures made available in the last report on the optical industry published in 1976.
§ Sir George YoungI have been asked to reply.
No. Optical examinations in the National Health Service are free of charge. The costs of NHS optical appliances are kept under continuous review and remission of charge is available to children and persons with low incomes.
As regards the publication of updated figures for the profitability of the optical industry, I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade has no figures more up-to-date than those published in 1976. I have nothing to add to my hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member on 10 June.—[Vol. 986, c. 142.]