§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that by the Regulations S.I. 1273, 1948, and the statement specifying fees and charges for sight testing opticians, the specialist ophthalmic surgeon, with at least ten years' study before undertaking practice, will be at a monetary disadvantage, as compared with the optician, who has had no comparable training, as in the example submitted to him; and if he will reconsider this position.
§ Mr. BevanI do not accept the assumption underlying the Question. The remuneration of ophthalmic medical practitioners taking part in the supplementary eye service has been fixed, in agreement with the profession, in the light of the Spens Report on the Remuneration of Consultants and Specialists. The remuneration of opticians for the supply and fitting of150W glasses is approximately equal to the remuneration they received for the same services under the National Health Insurance scheme.