§ Mrs. Shirley Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the level of income below which a family with two children aged 11 and 15 years, and a family with three children aged 4, 11 and 15 years, is exempt from charges for ophthalmic services, dental services, welfare milk, prescription charges and school meals, respectively.
§ Sir K. JosephSchool meals are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science. The levels of income below which families qualify for full remission of the other charges mentioned depend on individual circumstances including rent and special needs. The figures below are therefore based on stated assumptions:
GROSS INCOME LEVEL (I.E. BEFORE DEDUCTIONS FOF INCOME TAX AND NATIONAL INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS) INCLUDING FAMILY ALLOWANCE Two.child family, children aged 11 and 15 Three.child family, children aged 4,11 and 15 Opthalmic and dental £23.05 £24.40 Welfare milk Not applicable £24.15 Prescriptions £21.55 £22.85 Notes
1. The levels stated are those which will apply from 1st April onwards.
2. It has been assumed that the rent is £2.95 and that there are expenses of 35p a week in connection with employment. A higher rent or additional expenses of employment would result in higher gross income levels.
3. The children in the families stated would be exempt from ophthalmic and dental charges, and the children under 15 from prescription charges, whatever the income of the parents.
92W
§ Mrs. Shirley Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of the increased charges for ophthalmic services, he will now extend the provision of lenses under the National Health Service to children, normally ex-exempt, who choose privately manufactured frames.
§ Sir K. JosephNo. This would in any case require legislation. I am however considering a possible addition to the range of children's standard frames.