§ 22. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Health how many bone conduction hearing aids have been supplied through the National Health Service; and what steps he will take to expedite the provision of such hearing aids to those in need of them.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodUp to 18th April, 958 patients had been supplied in England and Wales. Orders sufficient to meet the estimated needs have already been placed and are being executed as quickly as possible.
§ Mr. GowerWill the Minister bear in mind that the people who need this kind of aid have been waiting a very long time, and will he do all he possibly can in the matter?
§ Mr. MacleodYes, certainly. I think we can hope to get rid altogether of the waiting list within the year, and, indeed, the bigger waiting list for normal apparatus as well.