§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how much money has been allocated by his Department to the sympathetic hearing scheme for deaf people since it was launched by his predecessor; and how much is likely to be paid in the future;
(2) what is his assessment of the value of the sympathetic hearing scheme for deaf people; if he intends to continue to support it; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonThe Panel of Four Principal National Organisations representing deaf people and their interests hasindicated to us that the sympathetic hearing scheme has been a great success. The Department has paid grants totalling £235,000 towards the support of the scheme and we are in touch with the Panel of Four about its future financing.