§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health why it was decided not to include Bradford in the list of centres for the cochlear implant; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DorrellIn selecting centres to participate in the cochlear implant programme the aim was to provide a reasonable geographical spread across the country; to provide both single and multi-channel implantation and to ensure both adults and children were included in the programme. Account was also taken of experience in implantation and the availability of suitable rehabilitation procedures. Bradford did not match these criteria as well as the centres chosen for funding.