Spectacles

Mr. Dickens
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence he has of restrictive trading practices being operated by opticians in the retail sale of spectacles.

Mr. Newton
The retail sale of spectacles is now conducted entirely through the private market and we have no information on restrictive practices relating to such sales. The Department is however considering allegations that opticians in one area are not providing patients with prescriptions following the National Health Service sight test.