§ 113. Mr. S. Marshallasked the Minister of Health what changes will take place in the allocation and distribution of deaf-aids to patients; and if he will give an assurance that the same priorities which are given at the present time will be continued under the amended Health Service Regulations.
§ Mr. CrookshankI do not contemplate any change in the system of distributing aids nor in the granting of priorities.
§ 115. Mr. Pearsonasked the Minister of Health what facilities exist in Wales and Monmouthshire for effecting repairs to hearing aids supplied under the National Insurance Acts; how far qualified technicians are employed; by whom are they appointed; and if he will give the annual cost of this service.
§ Mr. CrookshankProvision for minor repairs is made at the Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Wrexham, Bangor and Aberystwyth hearing aid centres. Eight qualified technicians, appointed by the various hospital authorities administering the centres, are occupied for part of their time at an annual cost of about £1,000. This figure does not include the cost of spare parts, which is not easily ascertainable.
§ 119. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Health if, in view of the fact that 1,284 applications for hearing aids are pending in Newport, he will accelerate delivery to Newport, as this figure is a much larger proportion than in other towns in the country.
§ Mr. CrookshankI am glad to say that the delay in obtaining hearing aids in Newport, which is not due to any local shortage of aids, is continually being reduced.