§ 88. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Health when the hearing aid for Mr. E. H. Hogg, of 101, Lord Street, Grimsby, Lincolnshire, which was promised him as a matter of priority on 25th January, will be supplied to him; and if he is aware that such aids are being supplied to people in Scotland within one week of application.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWhilst my right hon. Friend cannot undertake to investigate every individual case, I understand that it is expected that an aid will be fitted within the next two months. I am not aware of any basis for the statement in the second part of the Question.
§ 92. Mr. Skinnardasked the Minister of Health how many Medresco deaf aids have now been issued; and what is now the number of people on the waiting list for such aids.
§ 93. Dr. Broughtonasked the Minister of Health how many Medresco hearing aids have been issued; what is the number now being issued weekly; and what steps he is taking to reduce the size of the waiting list of persons in need of such aids.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopUp to 5th November, 39,159 patients in England and Wales had been supplied with Medresco aids, and the current average rate of issue is 1,015 a week. Waiting lists total about 86,000. My right hon. Friend is arranging for the staffs of the distribution centres to be increased and new centres to be opened as soon as possible.