HC Deb 08 July 1943 vol 390 cc2248-9
51. Mr. Bernard Taylor

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the restriction of the importation of the Sonotone hearing aids is causing hardship amongst deaf people; and what are the prospects of increasing the importation of these supplies?

Mr. E. Brown

I am not aware that the restriction of the importation of these instruments is causing hardship, and in view of the urgent need to conserve shipping space and foreign exchange, I am not prepared to advise my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to authorise any increase,

Mr. Jewson

Does the Minister realise that there are only a few of these instruments available, and will he reconsider the matter, as the amount of shipping space involved is very small?

Mr. Brown

I am aware that there are other instruments, but I would point out that at the moment, after consultation with the Board of Trade, the company concerned are now granted a licence to continue the supply of these instruments up to 50 per cent, of the pre-war importation and, for spare parts, 100 per cent.

Earl Winterton

As Minister of Health, does not the right hon. Gentleman have regard to the fact that there is very serious hardship caused by the failure of himself and his Department?

Mr. Brown

I have already said there is no failure here, and I ant not aware that the restriction on importation has caused hardship.

Earl Winterton

There is hardship, and everybody knows it.

Mr. Cluse

Is the Minister aware that no ordinary poor person can pay the price for these deaf aids?

Mr. Brown

The answer is, that this is one of the most expensive of all the instruments.