HC Deb 12 May 1949 vol 464 c1994
27. Mr. Edward Evans

asked the Minister of Health if he will consult with the Minister of Education in order that teaching in lip-reading may be provided for those who become provided with the Medresco hearing aid; and if he will bring to the notice of those using hearing aids the additional advantage to be derived from combining the use of the aural aid with lip-reading.

Mr. Bevan

I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education that local education authorities provide lip-reading classes where the need is established. A number of the hospitals distributing hearing aids also provide training in lip-reading, and these facilities will be extended as circumstances permit.

Mr. Evans

Will my right hon. Friend bring to the notice of every person who is issued with an aid the desirability of supplementing the value to be derived from the aid by lip-reading lessons?

Mr. Bevan

Certainly I will see what can be done, but in that connection it would be undesirable to excite the individual over lip-reading if there is a lack of facilities to provide the education.