§ 28. Sir Robert Youngasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the standard hearing aid supplied to insured persons is unsuitable to enable many deaf people to hear adequately well for their needs; and whether, when some other hearing instrument is certified as necessary, some arrangement can be made for the patient to pay the extra cost, such as is allowed in relation to dental and optical treatment.
§ Mr. BevanI do not accept the suggestion in the first part of the Question. The answer to the second part is "No, Sir." I would remind my hon. Friend that the National Health Service is free to all and does not depend upon insurance.
§ Sir R. YoungWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether this restriction to one kind of hearing aid is laid down in the interests of the persons concerned? Or are there other reasons?
§ Mr. BevanWe are quite satisfied that the Medresco hearing aid is an effective one. We do not see why it is necessary, as we can produce this aid, to finance any other aid.