asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals he is making in considering the exemption of people with a severe visual handicap from payment of optical charges; and if he will make a statement.

Patients, including those with severe visual handicap, who have a low income can already get remission of, or help with, optical charges. With the present severe constraints on public expenditure we cannot give priority to extending the scope of exemptions beyond those whose financial need is greatest.