§ 41. Mr. Sharplesasked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to reduce the time taken between the prescription of hearing aids under the National Health Service and their issue.
§ Mr. LoughlinDelays in the issue of hearing aids are due primarily to local staffing difficulties and I hope that recent improvements in the career structure and salaries of audiology technicians, and the advice my right hon. Friend has given to hospital authorities on their training will help to improve staffing. Special measures are being taken at one hospital where difficulties are particularly acute.
§ Mr. SharplesIs the hon. Gentleman aware that it now takes something over 12 months for a hearing aid to be issued through the St. Mary Abbots hearing centre, which is one of the largest centres in London? Would he look upon this matter as one of urgency?
§ Mr. LoughlinWe are very conscious of this, but let us be quite frank. This is not typical. We are aware of this particular difficulty and are looking at it as expeditiously as we can.
§ Dr. WinstanleyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there has recently been an alarming increase in the number of door-to-door salesmen selling these appliances privately? Would he agree that this undesirable tendency will increase if there are any deficiencies in the public supply?
§ Mr. LoughlinWe agree that there has been a tendency for specialised sales methods in this sphere. We are looking very closely at the whole question of hearing aids, both for the few who are at present outside the scheme, and our existing units.