§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the colour, range and material offered for artificial eyes for the following years, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970 and 1975; what is on offer in the current year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PrenticeIt is not possible to define the colour and range of artificial eyes supplied in the National Health Service because these are and have been supplied individually to match the colour pupil and iris size of the natural eye and all need to be individually shaped to match the eye socket. Eye making techniques have gradually improved over the years mentioned to achieve better matching both in colour and its gradation, and a current research and development programme is aimed at simplifying the production process while retaining the continuum of colour and pupil and iris sizes currently available. The majority of artificial eyes are manufactured using plastics material but a small and decreasing percentage of glass eyes have been used by hospitals.