§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many opticians are currently registered in England; and what was the figure in March 1989.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyFigures on the numbers of opticians in contract with family health services authorities in England are collected by calendar year. The number of opticians in contract with English FHSAs at 31 December 1989 was 6,299 of which 5,515 were ophthalmic opticians and 784 were ophthalmic medical practitioners. The figures for 31 December 1990 should be available in the summer.