§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what study she has made of the adequacy of the number and type of spectacle frames which are available under the National Health Service; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. OwenThe advice of the Standing Ophthalmic Advisory Committee, published last July, is that the NHS range of spectacle frames for adults is adequate, but that the children's standard range should be further improved. My right hon. Friend is considering this among many other proposals for improvements in the NHS.
§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many complaints she has received about opticians restricting the variety of spectacle frames they are offering to National Health Service patients; if she will take steps to check that every optician provides an adequate display of National Health Service frames following the reminder sent to them; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. OwenVery few. We are, however, examining all aspects of this and I am not yet in a position to make a further statement.