§ Mr. MilburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many national health service sight tests took place in each financial year since 1984–85.
§ Mr. AncramThe numbers of health service sight tests for which payments was made in Northern Ireland in the financial years 1984–85 to 1992–93 were:
Financial year Total health service sight tests (Thousands) 1984–85 207.1 1985–86 221.0 1986–87 231.1 1987–88 254.9 1988–89 284.9 1989–90 143.8 1990–91 119.5 1991–92 142.3 1992–93 159.9 From 1 April 1989 health service sight tests were restricted to certain groups in the population, and there was a substantial increase in demand prior to this restriction. This resulted in a backlog of payments for tests done in 1988–89, which was not cleared until the next financial year.