§ Mr. Craigenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he takes to make sure that those persons who have their charges for optical and dental treatment remitted automatically on grounds of low income are made fully aware of this entitlement.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergAll those who qualify for the benefits which confer an automatic entitlement to free glasses and dental treatment are advised either when they apply or when they receive notification of entitlement and often at both stages. Reminders are also printed in the order books for both supplementary allowance/pension and family income supplement. In addition, leaflets on NHS glasses—G11—and NHS dental treatment—D11—mention that people getting supplementary benefit, family income supplement or free milk and vitamins or free prescriptions because of low income are entitled to free glasses and free NHS dental treatment. The comprehensive leaflet "Which Benefit" also draws people's attention to the arrangements for help with these charges for those on low incomes.