§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people over the age of 60 years have had free sight tests since January. [84400]
§ Mr. DenhamOn the basis of activity levels in past years, we estimate that, in each of the months January to March 1999, people aged 60 and over will have received 0.35 million sight tests, of which just under half will have been National Health Service tests. The first statistics to show the impact of our decision to make everyone aged 60 and over eligible for free NHS sight tests with effect from 1 April 1999 will be available next February.