§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give the cost in 1988 of providing free tests for eyes and teeth.
§ Mr. MellorInformation on costs is available only by financial year. The estimated cost in England of sight tests provided under the general ophthalmic service in 1988–89, the final 12 months before withdrawal of the universal entitlement to National Health Service sight tests is £114 million. The cost to the general dental service of National Health Service dental examinations in 1987–88, the last full year in which no patient charges were levied for examinations, was £113 million.