§ Ms. Colquhounasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of the complexity and number of different hearing aids, there would be any merit in the Government standardising hearing aids; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisI am keeping under review the number of models in the present range of National Health Service hearing aids.
§ Ms. Colquhounasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will look into the possibility of reassessing the methods of issuing, maintaining and using hearing aids in schools.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisResponsibility for fitting and maintaining hearing aids issued to schoolchildren through the National Health Service, and for giving advice on their use, rests with the appropriate health authority in co-operation with the education authority. As far as I am aware, the present arrangements are generally satisfactory; but if my hon. Friend has a particular case of difficulty in mind, I shall be glad to look into it.
§ Ms. Colquhounasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether there is an adequate supply of behind-the-ear NHS hearing aids available, both for children in schools and adult deaf people.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisYes. As my hon. Friend may know, however, the introduction of the new behind-the-ear hearing aid for adults is subject to a phasing-in programme. This is due to be completed by 1979.