§ Mr. Fieldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if estimates are now available of the number of people eligible for help with optical charges, dental charges and fares to hospital, and, if so, if he will publish them in the Official Report; and, if not, if his Department intends to undertake any research to make such information available in order to assess the take-up of these remissions.
§ Sir George YoungNo estimate can be given of the number of people who might be eligible for help with these charges and fares to hospital on grounds of low income since it is impossible to collect information of this sort; nor is it feasible to initiate any research.
However, with regard to optical charges, out of 4,666,613 prescriptions dispensed to adults under the general ophthalmic services, 711,838 (15.25 per cent.) remissions or refunds were granted to patients seeking help with charges on grounds of low income. With regard to dental services, out of 27,164,765 courses of treatment for adults, 608,705 (2.24 per cent.) remissions and refunds were granted on grounds of low income. These figures do not include the number of people exempted on other grounds, for example children.