§ 43. Mr. Oliverasked the Minister of Health whether any estimate can be given of the time which must elapse before persons examined at the Nottingham General Hospital in August of last year for deafness are likely to receive their Medresco hearing aids.
§ Mr. BevanPatients needing aids for their work get them first, and all in this 1337 group examined in August have had them. The waiting time depends on the supply of aids, which I hope will be substantially increased in the spring or early summer.
§ Mr. OliverIs my right hon. Friend aware that his statement that all the people who were examined in August have received these hearing aids, is not correct? I have seen a card dated August and I know that the holder has not yet got his hearing aid.
§ Mr. BevanI did not say that all who were examined in August had received their aids but that all who were examined in August and who need aids for their work have received them.
§ Mr. OliverWill the Minister make arrangements whereby people who have been examined and badly need hearing aids can have them quickly? I have evidence that hearing aids have been received by some people who were examined after August and are not at work.