HC Deb 23 May 1960 vol 624 cc14-5W
Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he proposes to make transistor hearing aids available to adults; and what arrangements he proposes for distribution.

Mr. Maclay

I have arranged for the dispatch to hearing aid distribution centres of initial supplies of transistor hearing aids to enable a start to be made on the issue of these aids to adults. It will take a considerable time to replace valve aids by transistor aids and, after the prior claims of children and war pensioners have been met, it will be necessary to confine the issue in the first instance to those who are likely to derive most benefit from the new aid. I have given the hospital authorities some guidance on priorities, but these must be largely determined by individual assessment on medical advice at the hearing aid clinics.