§ Dame Jill KnightTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what she estimates is the total number of people eligible for receiving assistance towards the purchase of glasses or lenses through the NHS low-income scheme in each year from 1991–92 to 1996–97.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe available information is shown in the table.
Estimated total number of national health service low-income scheme beneficiaries in Great Britain entitled to help with the cost of glasses or lenses 1991–92 to 1995–96 Year Number1 1991–92 5,992,060 1992–93 6,738,032 1993–94 7,242,933 1994–95 7,610,330 1995–96 7,872,347 1 Figures are families (individuals or couples) receiving income support or family credit, holders of AG2 and AG3 certificates and the members of their families named on the certificates. Figures for 1995–96 include recipients of disability working allowance with capital of £8,000 or less and their partners.