HL Deb 24 February 1986 vol 471 c931WA
Lord Rugby

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will defer their decision on the provision of vouchers for children's spectacles pending paediatric opinion on the long-term effects of artificial corrective methods on developing eyesight.

Baroness Trumpington

The proposed voucher system will not introduce any change in the prescribing of children's spectacles. It is intended to give them, and others who are at present entitled to National Health Service supply, the opportunity of choosing their spectacles from the much wider range that is now available on the private market. I therefore see no valid reason to defer the provision of vouchers for children's spectacles.