HC Deb 19 May 1969 vol 784 cc5-6
16. Mr. Tinn

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the waiting list for the fitting of bone conduction hearing aids in the area of the South Teesside Hospital Management Committee and the average length of time that patients have to wait before being supplied with these appliances.

The Minister of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Mr. David Ennals)

Twenty-nine patients for initial fitting and 48 for replacement aids. Three to four months.

Mr. Tinn

Although this is a welcome improvement on the position earlier this year, many people are still having to wait an undesirable length of time. Will my hon. Friend continue to make every effort to ensure that the waiting period is further reduced?

Mr. Ennals

I will, indeed. In the last two months there has been a considerable improvement, partly because a new supplier has been found for a component which has caused particular difficulty. Pressure is being exerted on contractors to improve delivery, and we shall follow this very carefully.