§ Mr. Gordon Brownasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement about the issuing of new National Health Service spectacle frames to men and children.
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§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe have no intention to introduce new frames for men or children as part of the general ophthalmic service. Using the powers sought in the Health and Social Security Bill, we intend to cease the general supply of frames and lenses under the general ophthalmic service from March 1985. For an interim period, frames and lenses from the existing NITS range will continue to be supplied to children and to adults who qualify for full or partial remission of optical charges. Our intention is that eventually provision of glasses for these groups will also cease, and they will be given the grants provided for by schedule 1 to the Bill to meet all or part of the cost of private glasses of their own choice.