Written question asked by Oliver Letwin (Conservative) on Wednesday, 10 March 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 March 1999. It was answered by John Denham (Labour) on Monday, 15 March 1999 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, by what percentage NHS charges for (a) sight tests, (b) glasses, (c) travel to hospital, (d) dental treatment and (e) prescription have risen since December 1998. - Inc ref to 326 c429-30W, 25 February 1999.

Answer: Mr. Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health by what percentage NHS charges for (a) sight tests, (b) glasses, (c) travel to hospital, (d) dental treatment and (e) prescription have risen since December 1998. [76757] Mr. Denham: Prescription charges and charges for dental treatment have not risen since December 1998. There are no charges for National Health Service sight tests (which will be available to everyone aged 60 or over from 1 April) or for travel to hospital. Children and people on low incomes are eligible for NHS spectacle vouchers which they may use to buy glasses of their choice. For changes from 1 April, I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Walthamstow (Mr. Gerrard) on 25 February 1999, Official Report, columns 429-30.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 76757; 327 c567W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Dental services Fees and charges NHS Ophthalmic services Prescriptions Voucher schemes Spectacles