HC Deb 13 February 1961 vol 634 cc928-9
42. Mr. Snow

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the new transistor hearing set, which has many advantages over the older Medrescemodel, is nevertheless much less powerful, is of little use to seriously deaf persons, and has no adjustment for pitch; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made with a view to rectifying these deficiences.

Miss Pitt

The Medresco transistor aid is not less powerful than the valve aid, but a still more powerful earphone is being developed for the profoundly deaf. The transistor aid, however, has a different quality of tone, and this may be why some users find it less satisfactory. The possibility of modifying the tone is being investigated.

Mr. Snow

I thank the hon. Lady for that answer. Will she consider issuing an explanatory leaflet to users of existing transistor sets with a view to informing users how best to use their sets?

Miss Pitt

I will certainly consider that.

Mr. K. Robinson

Will the hon. Lady tell the House how freely available transister sets are? Are the waiting lists being satisfactorily dealt with?

Miss Pitt

I cannot give figures without notice, but we have been able to step up the latest issue and, to the best of my knowledge, it is progressing satisfactorily.