§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the length of time that people have to wait on Merseyside to have hearing aids fitted, he will take immediate steps to improve the service.
§ Mr. NewtonWe recognise that there have been delays in some parts of the country, but, since the peak in demand when the new high-powered behind-the-ear aids were introduced, estimates have been revised and additional funds made available. The position throughout the country has been improving and we expect it to continue to do so.
§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will give the number of people on Merseyside waiting (a) for appointments to see a consultant about the fitting of a hearing aid, (b) to visit a hearing aid centre and (c) for a hearing aid; and what is the average length of wait in each category;
(2) what is the total number of people in each region of the country waiting (a) for appointments to see a consultant about hearing aids, (b) for appointments to a hearing aid centre and (c) for delivery of hearing aids; and what is the average wait in each category.
§ Mr. NewtonI regret that this information is not held centrally.