If he will increase the value of vouchers for optical appliances under the National Health Service, to reflect the increase in VAT to 17. 5 per cent. - Ref to 195 c886-7W.

If he will increase the value of vouchers for optical appliances under the National Health Service, to reflect the increase in VAT to 17. 5 per cent. - Ref to 195 c886-7W.

What has been the increase in the value of vouchers for glasses for each year since their introduction in (a) cash and (b) real terms. - Inc table.

What has been the increase in the value of vouchers for glasses for each year since their introduction in (a) cash and (b) real terms. - Inc table.

If he will change the relevant regulations so that opticians providing a service under the National Health Service are obliged to ensure that each patient is offered at least one pair of spectacles at a cost within the value of the NHS voucher.

If he will change the relevant regulations so that opticians providing a service under the National Health Service are obliged to ensure that each patient is offered at least one pair of spectacles at a cost within the value of the NHS voucher.

Statement on increased values of NHS spectacle vouchers to take account of the recent VAT changes. - Table given.

Statement on increased values of NHS spectacle vouchers to take account of the recent VAT changes. - Table given.

If he will increase the maximum help available to people who receive vouchers to cover the entire cost of spectacles. - Inc figures.

If he will increase the maximum help available to people who receive vouchers to cover the entire cost of spectacles. - Inc figures.

What research his Department has conducted to establish that glasses are available at a cost not exceeding the full value of vouchers issued under the low income scheme - DH undertakes surveys each autumn to monitor effectiveness of voucher scheme.

What research his Department has conducted to establish that glasses are available at a cost not exceeding the full value of vouchers issued under the low income scheme - DH undertakes surveys each autumn to monitor effectiveness of voucher scheme.

Whether he has any plans to remove value-added tax from sales of contact lenses and spectacles. - No. This would be contrary to EC law

Whether he has any plans to remove value-added tax from sales of contact lenses and spectacles. - No. This would be contrary to EC law

What has been the annual (a) uptake of and (b) expenditure on financial assistance for spectacles since 1987 under the National Health Service voucher scheme. - Inc table.

What has been the annual (a) uptake of and (b) expenditure on financial assistance for spectacles since 1987 under the National Health Service voucher scheme. - Inc table.

What was the estimated size of the optical manufacturing market in the years ended (a) 31st March 1989 and (b) 31st March 1990. - Inc table.

What was the estimated size of the optical manufacturing market in the years ended (a) 31st March 1989 and (b) 31st March 1990. - Inc table.

How many people qualified for financial assistance towards the cost of optical appliances in each year since 1979. - Table given for 1986-90.

How many people qualified for financial assistance towards the cost of optical appliances in each year since 1979. - Table given for 1986-90.

What assistance is available to individuals suffering from metal allergies who need to purchase specially produced non-metallic spectacle frames.

What assistance is available to individuals suffering from metal allergies who need to purchase specially produced non-metallic spectacle frames.

Statement about NHS prescription and related charges and optical vouchers. - Inc tables & figures.

Statement about NHS prescription and related charges and optical vouchers. - Inc tables & figures.

What steps he has taken to satisfy himself that the supply of sun glasses to troops serving in Operation Desert Storm is adequate. - Ref to 186 c249W, the requirement for further supplies is kept under constant review.

What steps he has taken to satisfy himself that the supply of sun glasses to troops serving in Operation Desert Storm is adequate. - Ref to 186 c249W, the requirement for further supplies is kept under constant review.

To comment on the adequacy of supply of sunglasses to troops serving in Operation Desert Storm. - Inc figure.

To comment on the adequacy of supply of sunglasses to troops serving in Operation Desert Storm. - Inc figure.