§ Sir John FarrTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the waiting times for hearing aids in the Trent regional health authority; and what steps are being taken to substantially reduce the waiting time for those seeking hearing aids.
§ Mr. DorrellThe information about waiting times is not held centrally. My hon. Friend may wish to write to Sir Michael Carlisle, the chairman of Trent regional health authority for this information. My hon. Friend will welcome the Department's commitment to fund 12 pilot projects aimed at reducing waiting times for hearing aid services. Two hospitals in the Trent region are participating in this initiative. Also, Leicestershire health authority has received £50,000 from the waiting list fund in 1990–91 specifically for hearing aid services. This is expected to treat an additional 1,000 outpatients.