HC Deb 26 March 1984 vol 57 cc63-4W
Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his Department's latest estimate of the average price of a pair of National Health Service spectacles and of a pair of private spectacles.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The information that we have available for 1983–84 shows that the average supply cost to the NHS of spectacles for adults and children is estimated to be approximately £12.50. This cost excludes the dispensing fee payable to the optician. We do not collect detailed information on the price of private spectacles.

Our Department has always accepted that for certain patients a concentrator is a more economical means of supplying oxygen.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if there have been any adverse specialist reports on the effectiveness of long-term domiciliary oxygen concentrators; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I know of no such reports.