HC Deb 19 February 1952 vol 496 cc12-3W
82. Mr. N. Macpherson

asked 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. Stuart

The number of applications outstanding at 26th January, 1952, was 6,653.

83. Mr. N. Macpherson

asked 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 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. Stuart

The 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.