§ Lord Cullen of Ashbourneasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the committee of the General Optical Council currently reviewing optical services is composed entirely of "lay" members and whether both the chairman and the vice-chairman are "lay" persons; and
To confirm that the terms of reference of the Optical Services Review are: "to consider how the present and future needs of the public for the care of its vision and for the health of its eyes can best be met, by whom, and with what training and qualifications, and with what built-in protection of the public, in accordance with the General Optical Council's general duty to protect the public.
§ Baroness HooperThe terms of reference and membership of the committee conducting the Optical Services Review are the responsibility of the General Optical Council. I understand, however, that the committee is composed entirely of "lay" members, both the chairman and the vice-chairman are "lay" persons, and the terms of reference are along the lines quoted by the noble Lord.