HC Deb 01 May 1986 vol 96 cc467-8W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked 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. Hayhoe

Long-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-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will ensure that health authorities will introduce in-hospital dispensing of glasses where it does not take place at the current time; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hayhoe

The 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.