6. Lieut.-Commander R. H. Thompsonasked the Minister of Health what is the number of persons awaiting the issue of Medresco hearing aids in the borough of Croydon at the latest convenient date.
§ Mr. MarquandI regret that the information could not be obtained without disproportionate labour.
Lieut.-Commander ThompsonCan the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the supply of these appliances will be speeded up, because my information is that the number of applicants is rapidly increasing?
§ Mr. MarquandI was able to give some figures a week or two ago which showed that, month by month, there is a steady increase in the number of appliances provided.
§ Major Guy LloydCan the right hon. Gentleman say, roughly, how long a person has to wait for one of these appliances? My information is that it is a very long time.
§ Mr. MarquandI should hesitate to give an estimate, even roughly.
§ 19. Mr. Donnellyasked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to enable people in the counties of Pembroke, Cardigan and Carmarthen, who are in need of hearing aids, to be examined and fitted without having to travel to Swansea.
§ Mr. MarquandI am informed that arrangements have already been made for patients to be examined at Carmarthen and Aberystwyth, and that the regional hospital board are considering the possibility of starting sub-centres there for the distribution of aids.
§ Mr. DonnellyIs my right hon. Friend aware that, in the last week or two, old people have had to make long journeys, involving something like 160 miles on a round trip, in order to receive their hearing aids? Will he look into the matter again and have the arrangements speeded up?
§ Mr. MarquandI have looked into the matter since my hon. Friend put his Question down, and I think he would agree that, if we establish a centre at Carmarthen, it should greatly reduce this delay.
§ Mr. H. HyndCan my hon. Friend say what the position in regard to hearing aids would have been if the Opposition had been successful in the election?