HC Deb 19 February 1976 vol 905 cc819-20W
Mr. Orbach

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if in her discussions with opticians they were asked if they would make available all national health spectacle frames and not merely a personal selection.

Mr. Meacher

The Department has discussed this matter with opticians' representatives. They have agreed to remind their members that opticians in contract with the NHS are expected to inform patients of the full range of NHS spectacles. They have also agreed to encourage those of their members who display frames to include in their displays an adequate representation of the NHS range so that they are in a position a show their patients those NHS frames which might be suitable for their needs. This they have done through the optical journals.

England, Scotland, Wales and the English regions in each year since 1970 received supplementary pensions; and what percentage this represents of pensioners in each country or region.

Mr. O'Malley

The information is as follows: