HC Deb 10 March 1992 vol 205 cc430-1W
Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what would be the gross cost of abolishing sight test fees for all people over 60 years old.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

NHS sight tests are already free to approximately 40 per cent. of the population, including those pensioners who qualify on medical or income grounds. The estimated additional cost at 1991–92 prices of extending eligibility to all those aged 60 and over would be between £30 million and £35 million in a full year.