asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the average length of time taken, from date of application to date of delivery, for the supply of spectacles under the National Health Service scheme.

While there are considerable variations in individual cases, I understand that the people who are now getting their glasses have been waiting on the average for rather more than six months since their sight was tested. Supply is, however, overtaking demand at an increasing rate. In January of this year, 42,000 persons in Scotland who had their sight tested were found to need glasses, while 63,000 persons received glasses.

Is a scheme of priority in operation now?

Yes, there is a limited scheme of priority, the details of which I shall be glad to supply.