§ 11. Mr. AshleyTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what consideration he is giving to the reform of the Hearing Aid Council.
§ Mr. ForthThe RNID's fair hearing campaign made a number of suggestions for amendments to the Hearing Aid Council Act. The Secretary of State for Health and I are considering the RNID's proposals. The Bill promoted by the hon. Member for Ynys Môn (Mr. Jones) would make changes to the Hearing Aid Council Act.
§ Mr. AshleyIs the Minister aware that the membership and composition of a Hearing Aid Council which favours the industry that it is supposed to supervise is an absurdity and should be changed in such a way that the consumers and the medical profession predominate? I hope that that change comes about shortly. Is the Minister further aware that even when that change has been made, the Secretary of State should take reserve powers to amend any code of practice or standard put forward by that council so that he can keep a watch on future developments?
§ Mr. ForthThe right hon. Gentleman is aware, because he will be a member of the Committee that will consider the Bill, that the Bill proposed by the hon. Member for Ynys Môn covers those matters to which he has referred and which have concerned many people. Proposals in the Bill and, I believe, amendments to be considered by the Committee, will alter the council's composition to make it more representative and effective. I am optimistic that the Committee will conclude that the council may well be rearranged to ensure that representation is better and more effective. Together with the other changes proposed in the Bill, that will make the council more effective and allow better representation of the interests that are vital to people with hearing impairments.