§ Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of complaint about difficulty in obtaining batteries and spare parts for hearing aids supplied in Scotland under the National Health Service; and what steps are being taken to remedy this situation.
§ Mr. MaclayI regret that manufacturing difficulties resulted in a shortage of batteries in recent months. Arrangements have however been made to supplement supplies from other sources, and current demands are now being met. There was also a temporary shortage of receiver leads, due partly to unexpected demands and partly to supply difficulties, but this too has now been rectified.
§ Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what the position is now with regard to the supply in Scotland of transistor hearing aids under the National Health Service.
§ Mr. MaclayOwing to difficulties which arose in the manufacture of components, transistor aids have not been available for issue since the end of September. These difficulties have now been overcome and further supplies are expected by the end of March.