§ Dr. BrandTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the amount of money that(a) eye tests and (b) dental checks save the NHS each year by identifying conditions early in those eligible. [53752]
§ Mr. MilburnThe information on which to base these estimates is not available centrally.
§ Dr. BrandTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) NHS eye tests and (b) NHS dental checks were performed in England and Wales, by year, from 1992 to 1998; and how many he estimates will be performed in 1998–99. [53753]
§ Mr. MilburnThe information available is in the table. We do not yet have estimates for 1998/99.
England and Wales million Year National Health Service sight tests Adult dental examinations carried out by General Dental Service dentists 1991–92 5.31 20.6 1992–93 5.90 21.1 1993–94 6.33 20.6 1994–95 6.80 20.4 1995–96 6.95 20.3 1996–97 7.27 20.0 1997–98 7.47 20.6