asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that certain optical establishments are advertising that they will supply a home test chart and order form, from which eye-glasses are made up, forwarded by post, and guaranteed to give complete satisfaction; and whether, in view of the injury to the health of the nation that can result from unsuitable eye-glasses, he will consider setting up an inquiry for the purpose of considering this subject and introducing legislation to prohibit this practice?

My attention had not previously been drawn to the facts stated in the first part of the question. A full inquiry into the problems connected with any regulation of the practice of opticians was made in 1927 by the Departmental Committee on the Optical Practitioners' (Registration) Bill, and I would refer the hon. Member to their Report (Cmd. 2999).

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this practice has only grown up during the last year or 18 months; and does his Department approve of the system?

It may be that it has only grown up recently, but, think the general considerations raised by the facts to which the hon. Member desires to call my attention, were considered by the Committee to which I refer.

As these facts are new, and not mentioned in that Committee's report, will the right hon. Gentleman have inquiries made?

I do not think there is anything new which requires independent inquiry. The same questions were raised by the report of the Committee as are raised now.