Mr. Robert HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much additional finance he has made available(a) in total to health boards in Scotland and (b) to each health board in Scotland, to enable a programme of cochlear implants to be established; and when he expects such programmes to commence.
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 6 February 1990]: With effect from 1 April 1990, a total of £200,000 will be made available each year for the next three years to support the programme of cochlear implants in Scotland which I announced on 11 January. Of that amount, £150,000 per annum will be allocated to Ayrshire and Arran health board which already has an established programme and has built up considerable expertise in this procedure.
680WA number of surgeons elsewhere in Scotland have expressed interest in developing this exciting new technique which greatly enhances the quality of life for some deaf people. Accordingly, bids will be invited from other health boards for the remaining £50,000 per annum to facilitate the development of a second centre.