§ 83. Mr. Errollasked the Minister of Supply, in view of the fact that the specification and design details of the Medresco hearing aid may be used by any manufacturer free of charge, how he ensures that any instruments sold abroad include in their purchase price a proportionate amount of the British development costs so as to earn a proper amount of foreign exchange from British inventive ability.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussSince, in accordance with the traditional practice in matters of medical research, no attempt 1593 was made to retain proprietary rights for the Government in the specification and design of the Medresco hearing aid, it would not be appropriate to impose any such charge on manufacture for export.
§ Mr. ErrollDoes the Minister realise that this represents a not inconsiderable loss of foreign exchange which we can ill-afford at the present time?
§ Mr. StraussNo, Sir. On the contrary, we hope this will enable a very large number of these foreign aids to be exported at a reasonable price, thereby increasing our exports.
§ 86. Mr. Bossomasked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that great difficulty is being experienced in obtaining batteries for deaf aids; and how batteries may be obtained for aids which were bought prior to the introduction of those which are now provided under the National Health Service.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussNo, Sir. My information is that there is no general shortage. The batteries referred to in the second part of the Question can be purchased, either from the manufacturer of the hearing aid or from retailers.
§ Mr. BossomIf I send to the Minister various people who cannot obtain these batteries, will he see that they get them?
§ Mr. StraussI shall be happy to have any information. I will look into it.