The Conservative Party leader William Haigh asked Tony Blair and the chancellor, in the House of Commons following the budget announcements, why he had not advised the press and public about the new proposed 10% stealth tax to be imposed on the supply of spectacles, which will take effect from 1st. June. He (Mr Haigh) accused the chancellor and the Prime Minister of deliberately hiding the fact that this new tax was coming into force, and that it would virtually wipe out many of the gains made by poorer people claiming benefits in the budget, and in the case of the over sixties, who 2 years ago were given the right to a Free sight Tests, would now effectively have to give the money back when they purchased new Spectacles.      # 9 MARCH 2001