Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many NHS trust hospitals in(a) west Yorkshire and (b) throughout the United Kingdom are treating patients for myopia under the NHS;
(2) how many people are waiting for treatment for myopia.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThis information is not available centrally.
Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations she has received about the charges being made to people applying for treatment for myopia; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyWe have received a number of representations from hon. Members and their constituents. These have been largely concerned with the charges made by the private sector for laser radial keratotomy and the possibility of such treatment becoming available within the national health service.
Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research is being undertaken by her Department into the use of lasers to offer treatment under the NHS to myopia suffers; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 23 June 1993 at columns177–78.