Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Wednesday, 27 October 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 November 1999. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Monday, 1 November 1999 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to increase the value of the vouchers given to pensioners for the purchase of spectacles; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase the value of the vouchers given to pensioners for the purchase of spectacles; and if he will make a statement. [96600] Mr. Hutton: Children and adults of all ages on low incomes are eligible for optical vouchers which vary in value depending upon the power of the prescription. From last April we increased the voucher values from between 2.5 per cent. and 18 per cent. to target help towards patients with the highest refractory errors. As a result the highest value voucher increased from £125 to £147.50. We will shortly be announcing the increase to take effect from April 2000.

Secondary information