§ Mr. Mitchisonasked the Minister of Health whether he will give an estimate of the present demand for spectacles and the rate of supply at present and in recent months; and what is the nature of the steps which he is taking to increase the supply or to supplement it by imports.
§ Mr. BevanThe total demand for the United Kingdom in the first six months of 1949 is estimated at five million pairs. Production during the same period was about 3.7 million pairs, representing an increase of 75 per cent. on the annual rate of production during 1947. Production in this country continues to be rapidly expanded and suitable lenses are being imported from abroad.
§ Lieut.-Commander Braithwaiteasked the Minister of Health when the spectacles approved by Mr. N. Russell of 599, James Reckitt Avenue, Hull, by the National Health Service executive council on 19th November, 1948, will be delivered, observing that this gentleman is suffering from severe head pains in consequence of the delay.
§ Mr. BevanI cannot give any promise in an individual case, but on the general position I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for East Islington on 19th May.
§ Mr. Blackburnasked the Minister of Health how many free pairs of spectacles 32W and how many free dentures have been supplied to foreign visitors since the introduction of the National Health Service.
§ Mr. BevanAs the National Health Service makes no distinction between foreign visitors and other patients separate figures are not available.