§ Commander Purseyasked the Minister of Health if he will state the time interval in the return to the patient of prescription form O.S.C.2 for spectacle lenses, after first sight test, after previous supply 178W of spectacles in Hull, and after previous supply elsewhere, respectively; and what steps he will take to reduce the delay.
§ Miss PittI am informed that Hull Ophthalmic Services Committee normally approve and send prescriptions to patients within two days of receipt, whether after first test or previous supply of glasses. Additional time of about a week is required for any necessary inquiry in other areas where the patient lives outside Hull. There is in general no delay, but I shall be pleased to look into any particular case the hon. and gallant Member may have in mind.
§ Commander Purseyasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that a National Health Service patient, with very bad eyesight and cracked lenses after five years' service, was informed by a firm of chain-store opticians in Wembley that help could not be given under the National Health Service, but that the patient would have to pay £10 for new lenses; and what steps he will take to ensure that this firm provides National Health Service spectacles for £1 10s. 3d. and the full range of types and colours of frames.
§ Miss PittThese appear to be matters which should be taken up in the first instance with the Executive Council with whom the firm are in contract.