§ Mrs. Rumboldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give assurances that under the new regulations for the purchase and fitting of spectacles there will be guidance given to retailers on the importance of accurate sighting.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI assume that my hon. Friend's question relates to accurate centration. The Health and Social Security Bill enables orders to be made granting exemption from section 21 of the Opticians' Act 1958 and the conditions under which exemption is granted. Before making an order under this provision we shall consult consumer, medical and optical organisations on its content including the safeguards for consumers it will contain. We will listen carefully to any suggestion which might be put to us relating to centration.
Patients will themselves of course expect good results from the dispensing of spectacles. Retailers who wish to establish themselves in this field will be motivated to achieve good performance by providing satisfactory results to the customers.