HC Deb 18 March 1957 vol 567 cc26-7
42. Mrs. Butler

asked the Minister of of Health if he will now indicate when transistor hearing aids will become generally available through the National Health Service.

Mr. Vosper

Field trials began last week on the transistor hearing aid designed for the Medical Research Council. Further progress must depend on the results of the trials.

Mrs. Butler

Is the Minister aware that the hard-of-hearing in this country are watching these experiments very anxiously? Will he do everything possible to ensure mass production of these hearing aids as soon as it becomes practicable, so that they can become generally available through the Health Service?

Mr. Vosper

I hope that will be possible, and I hope that the tests will be completed within a reasonably short period.

Mr. Edward Evans

Is the Minister aware that for a number of years there has been a considerable body of experience in the use of commercial transistor aids? Will he give an indication of what categories of the general population will be provided with these aids when they become available?

Mr. Vosper

To some extent that is anticipating a successful trial, but it is my hope that the children will be the first recipients.