§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cochlear implants have been performed on deaf children; what have been the results of these operations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenWe are not aware that any deaf children in England have been given a cochlear implant, which is a technique still at an experimental stage. I understand that, although they have been used for some profoundly deaf adults, the fitting of such devices to children is not regarded as appropriate by most British clinicians since their use could prevent the children from benefiting from other possible developments in years to come.