§ 180. Mr. E. Evansasked the Minister of Supply why the allocation of high-tension batteries has been withdrawn from makers of hearing aids for the deaf; whether he is aware that in many cases contracts have been entered into with the makers of these hearing aids for the supply of batteries in advance; and whether, in view of the hardship occasioned to hard-of-hearing persons using these aids, he will immediately arrange for the supply of these batteries.
§ Mr. LeonardThe arrangements for allocating capacity for this purpose were terminated about a year ago in accordance with the general move to end controls which were considered to be no longer necessary. I am aware that arrangements of the kind mentioned in the second part of the Question have been made and we are doing all we can to ensure that adequate supplies are made available.