HC Deb 16 April 1973 vol 855 c58W
Mr. Joel Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will initiate legislation to ensure that retirement pensioners, whether on supplementary benefit or not, should be eligible for free optical services; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alison

No. Sight testing is already free, and supplementary pensioners and others—including those with somewhat higher incomes—who might not be able to afford to pay the charges for National Health Service glasses can already claim help towards them.