§ Mr. Hannamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action she is taking to reduce the disparity between regional health authorities in the length of time which National Health Service patients seeking a behind-the-ear hearing aid have to wait for an appointment; and if she will make a further statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisI am encouraging each region to make the best progress it can with regard to the resources and local facilities available. The hon. Member will appreciate that the figures for waiting lists given in my reply to him on 16th February—[Vol. 905, c.549–52]—are not comparable in so far as the waiting lists for some regions include 204W people who are not in any of the priority groups and, therefore, not yet eligible.