§ Mr. Dickensasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (I) what steps are taken to monitor the operation of the National Health Service (General Ophthalmic Services) Amendment Regulations 1985 (SI 1985, No. 298); and if he will make a statement;
(2) what powers are available to him to deal with allegations of breaches of the National Health Service (General Ophthalmic Services) Amendment Regulations 1985 (SI 1985, No. 298).
§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the operation of the National Health Service (General Ophthalmic Services) Amendment Regulations 1985 (SI 1985, No. 298); and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonThese regulations have been revoked and provisions relating to the general ophthalmic services are now contained in the National Health Service (General Ophthalmic Services) Regulations 1986 (SI 1986 No. 975). I understand that these new regulations are operating satisfactorily.
The Department monitors the operation of these services through the information which it receives from family practitioner committees.
Complaints which suggest a breach of the regulations are subject to investigation by the ophthalmic service committee of the family practitioner committee concerned in accordance with the National Health Service (Service Committees and Tribunal) Regulations 1974 (SI 1974 No. 455). These regulations provide a range of penalties which May be imposed on those practitioners found in breach of their terms of service.