§ 42. Mr. Wallerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has yet had further talks about protection for consumers following the ending of the opticians monopoly on supplying spectacles.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe Health and Social Security Bill presented to the House on 2 December does not end the opticians' monopoly. It seeks the power to make specific exceptions to the monopoly by order. Before making an order under this provision we will consult consumer, medical and optical organisations on its content, including the safeguards for consumers it will contain.