Mr. Clifford Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is aware that the range of spectacle frames supplied through the National Health Service is inadequate and out of date; and if he will consider new designs and ranges of frames, and ensure that all frames supplied are clearly marked with their price.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyWithin the broad specifications of the National Health Service range of frames, there have been considerable advances in detailed design, particularly as regards the eye-shapes and colours of plastics frames. The possibility of further improvements in National Health Service frames is being kept under review. The rules of the General Optical Council do not permit frames on display to be marked with their prices, but opticians should always be able to inform applicants about the prices of frames, including National Health Service ones.