§ 75. Mr. Spearmanasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there is an acute shortage of batteries for deaf-aid which is causing hardship for the deaf; whether he will take steps to remedy this; and whether he will remove the purchase tax from the batteries as they are necessary surgical instruments?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse)Arrangements were recently made to increase production of high tension batteries for hearing aids and supplies of this type of battery appear to be satisfactory. There have been difficulties in the production of some low tension types due to the placing of certain urgent Service contracts. These difficulties have been overcome and supplies of low tension batteries should shortly be adequate to meet the needs of the deaf. The matter of the Purchase Tax is under consideration.