HC Deb 27 March 1984 vol 57 c165W
Mr. Wareing

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many representations he has now received concerning his proposal to allow unqualified persons to dispense spectacles; and what proportions were favourable and unfavourable to his proposal, respectively.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

About 350 representations have been addressed to either my right hon. Friend or myself, giving comments on our proposals to modify the present restrictions on the sale of glasses. The overwhelming majority of these came from opticians or bodies representing opticians who naturally oppose the changes. We have received support on the proposal from the National Consumer Council and the Consumers Association and from some individual members of the public.