§ Commander Purseyasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the parent of a child, aged 11, was shown only one National Health Service baby's frame, not intended for older children, at a children's clinic in Ilford, the name of which has been forwarded by the hon. Member for Hull, East, purchased spectacles for £1 10s. 0d., has recently been charged £1 2s. 4d. for repairs due to damage at school games, with no claim for a contribution from the clinic, and had to wait three weeks for replacement; and what action he will take to ensure that this clinic provides a proper National Health Service of frames and colours and also repairs.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithMy information is that a selection of National Health Service frames was shown in accordance with the established practice at this clinic and the parent chose type C 525 which is not a standard type of children's frame and for which the appropirate charge of 11s. 8d. plus £1 for the lenses was made. I regret the time taken in effecting the repairs, which was exceptional and 145W due to the need to send away for a lens of the correct prescription. The charge for the repairs to this non-standard frame should have been 12s. 4d.; the hospital had already discovered the error and is reimbursing the parent. As the balance of the cost of replacement is met by the hospital service in this case there is no question of reimbursement by the local education authority.