§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if voucher levels for long-stay patients in hospitals will be adequate to ensure that patients getting complex lenses will not have to pay more than they do now; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeLong-stay patients in hospitals will continue to be entitled to basic glasses to meet their clinical needs free of charge when the voucher scheme is introduced.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will ensure that health authorities will 468W introduce in-hospital dispensing of glasses where it does not take place at the current time; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeThe proposals for the future dispensing of glasses in the hospital eye service have been the subject of a consultation exercise. The response is still being considered and it is too early to confirm the detailed arrangements which will be made for dispensing.