§ 40. Mr. Skinnardasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the success of modern methods of treatment of congenital deafness in the very young, he will take steps to make compulsory the notification of this defect as soon as it is recognised by parents or by medical practitioners.
§ Mr. J. EdwardsNo, Sir. Notifications could not reasonably be required owing to the difficulties of early diagnosis, even if it could legally be made compulsory.
§ Mr. SkinnardIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that modern methods have achieved great success with very young children in earlier diagnosis and that there has been in London and elsewhere remarkable improvement in the early and successful treatment of congenital deafness?
§ Mr. EdwardsI agree with my hon. Friend about the need for early diagnosis, but I very much doubt whether my right hon. Friend has the powers which would' be necessary to require early notification.
§ Mr. HastingsDoes not the Parliamentary Secretary think it highly desirable that the powers which are required should be obtained?