§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) in how many hospitals lip-reading is taught; and how many of the teachers are trained;
(2) what is the average size of lipreading classes in hospitals;
(3) if he will list in the Official Report those health authorities which make no provision for lip-reading in hospitals;
673W(4) what guidance he gives to health authorities about the teaching of lipreading in hospitals;
(5) what consultations he has had about the provision of lip-reading in hospitals.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisWhile information about lip-reading classes in hospitals and the qualifications of teachers is not collected by my Department, I am informed that some hospitals provide instruction in this skill. The importance of lip-reading was stressed in the recent report of my Advisory Committee on Services for Hearing Impaired People on the rehabilitation of adults who are hearing impaired. A wide range of views was sought on the report and it has now been commended to all health authorities. Arising out of the report, my Department is working closely with the City Literary Institute to set up a course for hearing therapists to work within the National Health Service. Their training will include the teaching of lip-reading.