§ Mr. Hillasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in the supply of children's spectacles under National Health Service provision, he will authorise the routine use of safety glass; and what would be the estimated extra cost to the National Health Service.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWhere parents wish their children to have toughened glass lenses these are available at a charge of £3.25 per lens. To provide them free tc, all children would represent an extra annual cost of some £2.75 million to the general ophthalmic services. Children requiring high corrections already have the option of being supplied with plastic lenses without charge. We have no plans to change these arrangements.