§ 5. Mr. Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children from Fife attend the hearing-aid clinic at Edinburgh; and what provision is made for the parents to recover the expense incurred by such visits.
The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Commander T. D. Galbraith)Thirty-two children of school age from Fife have attended the hearing aid clinic in Edinburgh since January, 1949. The parent or guardian of a child may apply to the National Assistance Board for assistance in paying fares to and from the clinic where any question of hardship arises; application forms are available at the clinic.
§ Mr. HamiltonIs the Minister aware that many parents, although they suffer quite considerable hardship in going to and from Edinburgh, are very loath to apply to the National Assistance Board? Would he not agree that this is a very expensive and inconvenient method of catering for the needs of deaf children, and would he not consider setting up a small clinic north of the Forth, in view of the very inadequate transport?
Commander GalbraithNo, Sir, not in the meantime. A certain amount of skill is involved in testing and fitting the hearing aids; and the journey should not be necessary except on very few occasions. I do not think people should be bashful about applying to the National Assistance Board.
§ Mr. RankinWhen the right hon. and gallant Gentleman says "Not in the meantime," what time does he mean?