§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he is satisfied with the existing arrangements for the calculation of entitlement to exemption from health service optical charges, whereby a person is required to meet 241W any charge up to three times the amount by which his weekly income exceeds requirements, particularly in the case of a single parent family.
§ Mr. CarterThroughout the United Kingdom the existing arrangements make provision for the disregard of £4 per week of earnings increased to £6 in the case of a single-parent family and also for the disregard of £2.50 per week of any excess of available resources over needs as calculated for supplementary benefit. I am satisfied that within the resources available these arrangements ensure that those most in need receive adequate help.