§ 85. Sir L. Ropnerasked the Minister of Health how many applications for hearing aids under the National Health Service were outstanding at the latest convenient date in the West Riding of Yorkshire.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithAt the three hearing aid distribution centres in the West Riding there were 11,425 applications outstanding on 29th February.
§ 91. Mr. Errollasked the Minister of Health if he will explain the discrepancy between the figure of£327,000 for the cost of hearing aid instruments purchased in 1950–51 and the relevant estimate for the same year of£1,015,000.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithMy hon. Friend is under a misapprehension as there is no discrepancy in the figures quoted.£327,000 represents the actual cost of instruments purchased (excluding batteries) in 1950–51: whereas the sum of£1,015,000 is the preliminary estimate for 1951–52 for batteries, repairs, spare parts and other items as well as the instruments themselves.
§ 92. Mr. Errollasked the Minister of Health, in view of the fact that the total charges to recipients for hearing aids in a full year are estimated to amount to£61,500, how many hearing aids, subject to such charge, he estimates, will be issued.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithThe estimate quoted was based on the number of patients supplied with aids last year. The rate of distribution has, however, been steadily increasing and, because of this and other varying factors, it is impossible accurately to estimate the number for any future period.
§ 93. Mr. G. Williamsasked the Minister of Health if, owing to the delay in supplying Medresco hearing aids, he will supply other hearing aids made by commercial firms which are readily available
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§ Miss Hornsby-SmithNo. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to a supplementary question on this subject by my hon. Friend the Member for Stratford (Mr. Profumo) on 21st February.