§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has had from the North Regional Association for the Blind; what reply he is sending; if there is any action he will be taking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe Department has received a letter from the association suggesting that ophthalmologists may no longer be eligible for a fee for examining blind and partially sighted people for the purposes of registration with the local authority. This suggestion is wholly unfounded. There has been no change in the terms and conditions for payment of this fee. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State will respond to the association shortly.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations the Minister of State has received from Crossroads Care; what replies he is sending; if there is any action he will be taking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyWe have received a number of letters about the future role of Crossroads care schemes in the light of community care proposals. We have a high regard for the work of the organisation, whose central administrative costs we fund at the level of £80,000 a year. We anticipate that Crossroads will continue to make an important contribution in the years ahead.