§ Mr. Alexander Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the comparative waiting period in Scotland as compared to other regions of the United Kingdom for persons requiring the behind-the-ear hearing aids, who have been advised regarding their need of this type of aid.
§ Mr. AlisonI am not aware of any waiting period for the supply of behind the-ear aids for schoolchildren. Behind the-ear aids for adults are not yet available; in this connection I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Tope) on 25th October.—[Vol. 861, c. 620]
§ Mr. Redmondasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of the hearing aids issued to children under 16 years of age is at present of the behind-the-ear pattern; and what plans he has for children to receive the new National Health Service aid next year.
§ Mr. AlisonIn his statement of 9th July—[Vol. 859, c. 1035–42]—my right hon. Friend indicated that children would be included among those to whom priority would be given for the new aid from next autumn. Of the hearing aids issued currently to children under 16 about half are behind-the-ear models.