§ 27. Mr. Joynson-Hicksasked the Minister of Health how many applications for hearing aids are now outstanding in the Chichester area; and when he estimates that the arrears will be overtaken and the supply equal the demand.
§ Mr. BevanAbout 150 applications are outstanding in this area. As the ultimate demand here, as elsewhere, is unknown, I cannot say when all needs will be met.
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksIs the right hon. Gentleman able to make no better arrangement for West Sussex than that we have to take surplus hearing aids from other areas; and could he not make some other proposal whereby these people can be supplied from a direct source?
§ Mr. BevanThe first part of that statement is entirely incorrect. They are not relying upon a surplus from other areas, and the issue of hearing aids is going on as fast as we can employ skilled technicians to fit them.