§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many prescriptions were issued for prism segment bifocal spectacles in the latest year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeStatistics are not collected on the number of prescriptions issued for specific lens types but it is estimated that some 1,100 prism segment bifocals were dispensed under the general ophthalmic services in England in 1984.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is (a) the number and (b) the proportion of the total represented by prescriptions for spectacles issued to people over pension age in the latest period up to April 1985, for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what estimate he has of numbers of people over pensionable age obtaining prescriptions for spectacles since 1 April compared with a similar period before that date; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeSeparate information is not collected for prescriptions given to those of pensionable age.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what the cost saving has been to the Department of Health and Social Security since the changes introduced on 1 April to the availability of National Health Service spectacles; what is the expected saving in a full year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeThe expected savings in a full year in England are some £14 million. Present information indicates that these will be achieved.