§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received on, and what assessments he has made of, the health implications of the sale of cosmetic patterned contact lenses. [27143]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 21 January 2002]: The General Optical Council (GOC) has proposed to the Department that the sale of cosmetic contact lenses, which do not have a corrective refractory power, be subject to tighter regulation because of the risk to eye health from the misuse of contact lenses. Views differed when we consulted on this proposal and, to inform our policy considerations, we are collaborating with the GOC on an assessment of the extent of the risks.