Major Hicks Beachasked the Minister of Health when he anticipates the supply of hearing aids in the Cheltenham area will be comparable with other similar areas; and if he will make a statement on the effect of the opening of the new distribution centre at Gloucester.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodEvery effort will be made to make up the leeway in this area as soon as possible. The new distribution centre at Gloucester, which opened on 3rd November and serves Cheltenham also, has been amply stocked with aids. Two hundred and sixty-eight patients have been supplied. Allowing for fresh additions, the waiting list has already been reduced from 1,029 to 831, and the maximum waiting period from three to two years.