HC Deb 28 April 1975 vol 891 cc11-2
8. Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection how many representations she has received on the sale by commercial firms of hearing aids.

The Minister of State, Department of Prices and Consumer Protection (Mr. Alan Williams)

Three.

Mr. McCrindle

Is the Minister aware that there appear to be some firms in Britain engaging in high-pressure sales techniques for hearing aids and directed principally at elderly people? Does he not think that, just as spectacles must be prescribed by an optician and dentures by a dentist, there is a strong argument for moving towards a situation in which those with some professional qualification are involved in the business of supplying hearing aids?

Mr. Alan Williams

Indeed, I agree. I advise the hon. Gentleman to look at the work of the Hearing Aid Council and the code of practice which has been produced. We have received only three specific examples in the Department. If the hon. Gentleman has any which have been broueht to his attention, I shall be glad to ask the Hearing Aid Council Investigating Committee to look at them.