§ Mr. GalbraithTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when cochlear implants will be available on the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieCochlear implants are an exciting new development which may help some profoundly deaf people, and one which we would expect to become more widely available than at present. It is, however, for health authorities to determine the pace at which new developments, including cochlear implants, become available locally. No doubt they will take into account medical opinion as to the benefits of this treatment as against other forms of treatment for sensorineurally deaf people, as well as their assessment of local needs and priorities and available resources.