§ Mr. S. Marshallasked the Minister of Health whether he will consider temporarily suspending the supply of bi-focal spectacles whilst the urgent needs of children suffering from defective vision are met.
§ Mr. Hutchinsonasked the Minister of Health whether persons who desire to have them can be supplied with rimless spectacles under the National Health Service.
§ Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Health if he will investigate the case of a resident of Silver End, Essex, of whose name and address he has been informed, who has been awaiting delivery of spectacles for 11 months; and state the reasons for this long delay.
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§ Mr. BevanI have made inquiries and I am informed that the lady's distance glasses have been delivered and her reading glasses are expected within a few days. The lenses were of a kind difficult to obtain.
§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Health when he expects that Mrs. Walkden, who was examined on 9th May, 1949, and Mr. B. G. Allen, who was examined on 1st July, 1949, particulars of whom have been sent him, can expect to receive their spectacles.
§ Mr. BevanMrs. Walkden's spectacles have been sent to her. New lenses will be fitted to Mr. Allen's spectacles if he will visit his optician.
§ Mr. Nichollsasked the Minister of Health, in view of the fact that there are 9,000 spectacle prescriptions still outstanding in Peterborough, what steps he proposes to take to speed up delivery.
§ Mr. BevanI am aware of the delays, which are steadily being reduced. I would refer to the reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe (Mr. Haire) on 23rd March.