§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his estimate of the effect of charges for sight tests on the numbers of people seeking these tests.
§ Mr. MellorThe free NHS sight test will continue to be available to nearly 40 per cent. of the population,80W including those less well off and competition in the optical market should keep any private fees at modest levels. Opticians will determine the level of any fees for those not entitled to an NHS sight test. We believe that people will continue to have periodic sight tests as at present.
§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many eye sight tests are carried out each year under the National Health Service.
§ Mr. MellorI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Romsey and Waterside (Mr. Colvin) on 14 November 1988 at column476 which lists the number of sight tests in the years 1978 to 1987.