§ 30. Mr. Edward Evansasked the Minister of Health if he will now give the date when the hearing aids, devised by the Medical Research Council, will be available for such deaf persons as can benefit from their use.
§ Mr. BevanI understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply will be making arrangements for quantity production as soon as he receives delivery of prototypes promised within the next few days. He hopes that production will permit of distribution beginning with the start of the National Health Service next year.
§ Mr. EvansIn the meantime, can the Minister do anything to prevent the exploitation of the public by the firm of Ardente, whose methods of sale are notorious?
§ Mr. BevanMy hon. Friend is a well known and distinguished authority on the matter and perhaps notice will be taken of his remarks.
§ Mr. John E. HaireWill my right hon. Friend look info a case which I have which seems to confirm the suspicions of my hon. Friend; will he note that my constituent paid the sum of 30 guineas to this firm of Ardente as long ago as September, 1945, for a pocket deaf aid and is still awaiting completion of the order; that bits and pieces have been sent at intervals and only under pressure and threats of legal proceedings?
§ Mr. BevanIt is because we know that the existing provision of aural aids is not satisfactory that we are making one of our own. I am hoping that the one we are producing when in full use will be much more satisfactory than the existing ones.