§ 82. Mr. N. Macphersonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications for hearing aids under the National Health Service in Scotland were outstanding at the latest convenient date.
§ Mr. J. StuartThe number of applications outstanding at 26th January, 1952, was 6,653.
§ 83. Mr. N. Macphersonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the cost of supplying hearing aids under the National Health Service in Scotland in the financial year 1950–51; what is the 13W estimated cost in the current financial year on the assumption that the full charge is borne by the National Health Service; and what is the estimated saving to the Exchequer resulting from the proposed charge to applicants in a full financial year.
§ Mr. J. StuartThe cost of supplying hearing aids under the National Health Service in Scotland in the financial year 1950–51, excluding the cost of batteries and of fitting, was £56,500. The estimated cost for the current financial year is £57,700. The estimated receipts from the proposed charges for hearing aids for a full year are £17,000. It is not possible to estimate the cost to the Exchequer of any assistance that may be given by the National Assistance Board to applicants for reimbursement of these charges.