§ Lord James Douglas-Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will allow partially-sighted persons with a substantial disability to continue receiving free spectacles.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWhile free optical appliances are available to all children, they are not at the moment available as a matter of course through the general ophthalmic services to partially-sighted adults with a substantial disability. Help is available to the partially-sighted through the system of remissions of optical charges for all adults on low incomes. I have no plans to alter the conditions governing remission of charges. When the Health and Social Security Bill is enacted, children and adults who at present qualify for remission of charges will continue to receive assistance.