§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many people a year are unable to obtain free glasses from the National Health Service because of the size of their head; if he has any plans to change the regulations relating to the provision of spectacles for people with large heads; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what is the recommended procedure for citizens on low wages who are ineligible for National Health spectacles, due to outsize heads, and who cannot afford to buy them in the private sector.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThere is no restriction on the size of lenses and frames that may be supplied under the NHS to meet a clinical need, and we have no plans to introduce such a restriction. Help with NHS charges is available to those on low incomes through the remission arrangements.