§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will examine the economic consequences of issuing zinc air A675 batteries to National Health Service hearing aid users in place of mercury batteries CP1.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergApproximately one-half of the Department's present requirement for batteries for behind-the-ear hearing aids is being met with the zinc-air type. This high proportion reflects, among other factors, the current cost advantage of purchasing this type of battery.
An important factor in assessing the economic consequences of using any particular type of battery is the extent to which users extract the full energy capacity. Preliminary field trials did not indicate that wastage was significantly greater following the use of zinc-air batteries instead of mercuric oxide types, however Further monitoring will be conducted in the near future as zinc-air usage increases.