§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost of restoring free(a) dental and (b) eye examinations to (i) all adults, (ii) those over 65, (iii) those over 60 and (iv) those over 55; and if he will make a statement. [89555]
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§ Mr. LammyAbout a quarter of dental examinations carried out on adults in the general dental service have either no patient charge, or else the patient pays a reduced charge. It is estimated that making dental examinations free to adults would reduce patient charge revenue in England by:
Adults Reduction in patient charge revenue at 2002–03 charge rates in f million Age 18 and over 87 Age 65 and over 15 Age 60 and over 22 Age 55 and over 30 Additional costs would arise if there were any associated increase in the overall number of dental examinations and national health service dental treatments.
In April 1999 we made everyone aged 60 and over eligible for a free NHS sight test. Children, people on low incomes and those suffering from or predisposed to eye disease are also eligible. Our estimates of the costs per annum of extending eligibility further are:
Adults Additional costs per annum in £ million Age 18 and over 80 Age 55 and over 15