§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will publish a table showing the average price of spectacle lenses and contact lenses for NHS patients, for each year since 1979.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThis information is not available in the form requested. Until 1986 national health service spectacles were available free of charge to children. Adults choosing NHS spectacles paid a contribution for their spectacle lenses which was determined by the complexity of the prescription. Since 1986 people who are entitled to help with the cost of spectacles and contact lenses have received a voucher which they can use towards the cost of these.