HC Deb 06 July 1972 vol 840 c218W

Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of the fact that the cost of insurance of a hearing aid has recently been increased by 300 per cent., and of the rise in the cost of rechargeable accumulators, if he will take steps to assist those adversely affected.

Mr. Alison

I have no powers to provide financial assistance towards the maintenance of hearing aids purchased privately.

Users of National Health Service aids are not required to insure their instruments, and may obtain batteries free of charge.