§ Mr. Arthur Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what range of National Health Service spectacle frames should be offered by opticians to a National Health Service patient.
§ Mr. MoyleThere are 12 spectacle frames in the National Health Service adult range and five in the children's range. My Department asks opticians to display and stock examples of the full National Health Service range and to show patients those frames most suitable for them.
§ Mr. Arthur Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action his Department is taking to achieve a reduction in the price of private spectacle frames offered to patients under the National Health Service.
§ Mr. MoyleSpectacle frames supplied privately are not covered by National Health Service provisions. The prices of private spectacle frames are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection. His Department and mine are currently holding discussions with the optical profession and industry about the recommendations contained in the Price Commission Report on Prices of Private Spectacles and Contact Lenses.