§ Mrs. Doris Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services in view of the probable incidence of permanent hearing damage to children who cannot 251W receive hospital treatment in time in Birmingham, what action he will take to assist the regional hospital board.
§ Mr. AlisonI understand that the hon. Member is referring to the waiting time for tonsillectomy. I am advised that a direct connection between this and the incidence of deafness in children has not been demonstrated, but that the clinical practice in Birmingham is nonetheless to accord priority to children with impaired hearing or apparent high risk of it.