§ Commander Pursey39, 40 and 41. asked the Minister of Health (1) if he is aware that in a firm of twenty-two chain-store opticians' shops National Health Service patients are not informed that full normal National Health service and glasses are available for the statutory fee of£1 10s. 3d., and that no trade trays with the wide range of frames approved for National Health Service dispensing are shown to patients, but patients are offered frames priced at 11 guineas; and what action he proposes to take to ensure that full National Health service is provided in these shops;
(2) if he is aware that in a firm of twenty-two chain-store opticians' shops National Health Service patients are asked for definite orders for lenses and frames, and a deposit of£1 demanded at the first examination and before the National Health Service application form is approved, and that when the return of the deposit is requested a receipt for overpayment is demanded from the patient; and what action he will take to stop these improper practices;
(3) if he is aware that in a firm of twenty-two chain-store opticians' shops the permanent staff are mainly salesmen for selling expensive frames and not fully-qualified opticians capable of testing eyes and prescribing lenses, and that the testing and prescribing is done, in a few minutes, by hospital doctors on full-time National Health Service engagements on opticians' premises with limited facilities instead of in hospitals; 91W and what action he proposes to take with regard to conditions under which testing may be carried out.
§ Miss PittThese are matters which appear to be appropriate for investigation by an Ophthalmic Investigation Committee of an Executive Council with which the firm is in contract to supply services in accordance with detailed terms of service. As the matter may yet come to my right hon. and learned Friend in this way and he might have to adjudicate on an appeal it would not be proper for me to comment at this stage.