Written question asked by Paul Marsden (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 February 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 29 February 2000. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 February 2000 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, If he will make a statement on the number of eye tests carried out on people aged over 65 years since April 1999. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the number of eye tests carried out on people aged over 65 years since April 1999. [110875] Mr. Hutton: From April to September 1999, nearly 1.3 million more sight tests were paid for by health authorities in England and Wales than in the equivalent period in 1998. Most of this increase may be attributed to the Government's decision to restore eligibility for National Health Service sight tests to everyone aged 60 and over with effect from 1 April 1999.

Secondary information