§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the waiting list for consultations at the centre for the hearing impaired, Birmingham, indicating what action he intends to take to reduce the lists.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisAs my hon. Friend will be aware from his correspondence with the chairman of the Birmingham area health authority (teaching), there have been problems over recruiting suitably qualified staff for the centre which not only provides a clinical service but is a centre for the in-service training of audio-logy technicians. The wider availability of the new hearing aids has added to the work of the centre. Nevertheless, waiting times at the centre are longer than I 903W would wish and this has been conveyed to the authority. I understand that the West Birmingham health district is now considering what steps can be taken to reduce waiting lists.