FREE EYE AND DENTAL CHECKS AS SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BACKS LIB DEM POLICY

4.02.27pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 2nd Jul 2005

The Scottish Parliament has backed the introduction of free eye and dental checks for everyone in Scotland. The Liberal Democrat Partnership Agreement commitment to introduce free eye and dental checks is at the heart of the Smoking, Health and Social Care Bill which passed its final parliamentary hurdle today. The Bill will also see the introduction of a ban on smoking in public places. The Scottish Liberal Democrats were the first political party in Scotland to back the ban.

This Bill delivers a key Scottish Liberal Democrat policy, free eye and dental checks for all. Regular checks can catch problems with eyes such as glaucoma and mouth problems such as oral cancer before they become more serious. Removing the charges the Tories introduced will encourage more people to have these regular check ups.

North-west campaigner, Simon Davey commented that the fact we are able to push some policies through legislatures where we are in power shows we must see ourselves as a party of eventual government. Simon comments:

"Although it would be foolish to say that we will control Westminster in the near future, we are seeing proof that Lib Dem policies work. The things we have achieved in Scotland should be pushed on the doorsteps in order that voters will see us as a doing party, not just a party with nice ideas."