§ Mr. Peytonasked the Minister of Health how many people in Somerset are now awaiting supply of hearing aids; what is the average length of time taken to supply them; and to what extent there has been any recent improvement in this respect.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodPrecise figures are not available, but it is estimated that about 1,650 people who live in Somerset are still waiting. The waiting time varies242W according to local circumstances and to the patient's priority and average figures are not calculable. The new centres recently opened at Gloucester, Bath and Taunton should, however, reduce it considerably.