HC Deb 19 December 1973 vol 866 cc344-5W
Dr. Summerskill

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the price range of health service spectacle frames to the patient; what proportion of patients who are prescribed National Health Service lenses is prescribed National Health Service frames; who designs National Health Service frames; and where they are manufactured.

Mr. Alison

For children, there is a range of National Health Service frames which are free of charge; for other National Health Service frames the charges range from 82p to £1.93 per frame.

In the quarter ending 30th September 1973 the proportion of children supplied with lenses under the general ophthalmic services who chose a new National Health Service frame was 69.0 per cent., and another 12.1 per cent. chose to have an existing frame reglazed; for adults, the corresponding proportions were 27.1 per cent. and 23.4 per cent.

National Health Service frames are designed by the manufacturers, in conformity with specified descriptions and relevant British Standards. I understand that they are manufactured at various places in this country.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to exempt pensioners from payments for glasses under the National Health Service; and what would be the cost of so doing.

Mr. Alison

No. Supplementary pensioners are already entitled to full remission of the charges for standard National Health Service lenses and for the most popular National Health Service frame. Other pensioners who might not be able to afford to pay the charges can claim help towards them. I do not have sufficient information to estimate the cost of exempting all pensioners from these charges.