89. Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that under the supplementary ophthalmic services the restriction to nickel frames of the free range of glasses available for children of 12 to 16 years of age, and for older boys and girls in full attendance at a school, is seriously affecting the sight of many children owing to their refraining from wearing them when away from parental supervision because they are made sensitive by children whose parents are able to afford more attractive frames; and if he will consider the provision, free of charge, of more attractive frames for such children.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithMy right hon. Friend has no evidence of the serious effect to which the hon. Member refers. The free range of children's spectacles (these all have coloured coverings) was selected on the advice of his Ophthalmic Advisory Committee, and in present circumstances cannot be extended.