§ Mr. Patrick HallTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) for what reason optometrists do not have a place as of right on the boards of primary care groups in England; [100492]
(2) what discussions he has held with the First Minister of the Welsh Assembly on the (a) contribution and (b) role of optometrists on the boards of local health groups in Wales; [100491]
(3) what plans he has to review his policy on whether optometrists should have a place as of right on the boards of primary care groups in England. [100493]
§ Mr. HuttonThe differing professional representation on primary care groups and local health groups reflects the differing roles of and expectations which we and the Welsh Assembly have of the two organisations. We feel that, in England, primary care groups can achieve high quality eye care by consulting both local optical committees and individual optometrists as appropriate. We will, however, be watching developments in Wales with interest to see what lessons can be learned.
§ Mr. Patrick HallTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will review his policy on whether an optometric adviser should be appointed to each health authority in line with those persons already appointed to advise on general practice, dentistry and pharmacy. [100494]
§ Mr. DenhamThis is for individual health authorities to decide, but we will be pointing out to them the highly worthwhile contribution which optometric advisers can make to both the development of primary eye care and the probity of general ophthalmic services.