HC Deb 09 December 1948 vol 459 cc71-2W
66. Mr. Bartlett

asked the Minister of Health whether he will now allow deaf people to have hearing aids that are not of the standard type providing they are prepared themselves to pay the extra cost, and will thus extend to them the principle already extended to others in the cases of eyeglasses and dentures.

Mr. Bevan

No. I see no justification for doing so.

79. Mr. J. Lewis

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that people in Bolton who have been examined by an aural surgeon at the Bolton Royal Infirmary Out Patients Department, and whose suitability for hearing aid appliances have been determined, are still without the instrument owing to the shortage of supply; and if he will make a statement on the availability of these appliances in this area.

Mr. Bevan

Distribution centres for hearing aids have been operating in Manchester and Preston since 1st November and are being supplied with aids at the rate of 100 per month.