§ 25. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Health what progress has been achieved in dealing with the applications of people in Wales in need of ordinary hearing aids and bone-conducting hearing aids, respectively; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodUp to 30th June last, 20,591 patients had been fitted with air-conduction and 216 with bone-conduction aids. The waiting lists were then 1,348 and 132 respectively compared with a total waiting list of 2,442 six months earlier.
§ Mr. GowerWhile thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask when he anticipates that the others may be sent out?
§ Mr. MacleodI expect to get rid of the waiting list altogether in about nine months.
§ 26. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Minister of Health how many applications for hearing aids have been transferred from Sunderland to Middlesbrough; the number outstanding at the latter centre; and the average waiting time.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodOne thousand and ninety-eight applications have been transferred from Sunderland, and 349 have come from other hospitals. 1,061 were outstanding on 18th July. Those now being supplied have been waiting since November, 1951, but it is hoped to clear all outstanding applications within nine months.
§ Mr. ChetwyndCan the Minister say how long this waiting time is compared with other parts of the country?
§ Mr. MacleodIt is difficult to give an accurate figure because the station at Middlesbrough, as the hon. Gentleman knows, has just been opened, but I am informed that its rate of issue is slightly above the national average.