§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he proposes to arrange the settlement of the underpayment of £90 million to opticians due for the period from 1978 to 1982; if each optician will receive the loss of interest on this money; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeMy right hon. Friend instructed family practitioner committees on 21 December 1982 to pay the final arrears of NHS fees due to opticians in respect240W of the period 1978 to 1982. Committees were asked to make these payments as soon as possible but, in any case, before the end of this financial year.
The agreed system determining NHS fees does not provide for the payment of interest on either underpayments or overpayments to opticians.