HC Deb 03 May 1960 vol 622 cc857-8
4. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what complaints he has received to the effect that the transistor hearing aids being issued to schools for handicapped deaf children in Scotland are of an inferior nature; and if he will make a statement.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. T. G. D. Galbraith)

My right hon. Friend has received one letter from an education authority about the performance of the loop type of Medresco transistor aid now being issued to schools for use by deaf children. This aid has proved of considerable advantage and further development is taking place to improve its performance for the very deaf child.

Mr. Dempsey

Is the Minister aware that it is openly alleged that the type of aid which has been introduced is really inferior to that introduced in English schools? Will the hon. Gentleman give the matter further consideration and, at the very least, see that deaf Scottish children have the same standard and quality of hearing aid as is supplied in the English schools?

Mr. Galbraith

It is the first time I have heard that suggestion made. I will certainly look into the matter.

32. Miss Herbison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people in Scotland are having to do without their hearing-aids because of shortage of material for repairs.

Mr. T. G. D. Galbraith

Inquiries from the clinics concerned indicate that about 250 patients are at present with- out aids for this reason. I very much regret the inconvenience, and steps have been taken to overcome the shortage of the spare parts required.

Miss Herbison

Is the Minister aware that many people who are without hearing aids need them desperately for business purposes? Is he also aware that I have been informed by the clinic of the Royal Infirmary Glasgow that, because of instructions received from the Department of Health, transistor hearing aids can be issued only to children? As a result, transistor hearing aids are available but cannot be issued to people who need them. Finally, can the Minister say why there is this shortage of repair parts for the old type of hearing aid?

Mr. Galbraith

For two reasons. First, a miscalculation in the change-over from the old to the new type. Secondly, production difficulties that unfortunately occurred at the same time.

Miss Herbison

Will the Minister say why particularly the West of Scotland cannot use the transistor hearing aids that are lying about unused because there have never been a great many children to whom they could be given?

Mr. Galbraith

I will certainly look into that point.