asked the Minister of Health how many companies in Great Britain tendered for the contract to produce ear level hearing aids for his Department; and how many overseas firms tendered.

Seven companies, all registered in the United Kingdom, tendered for the supply of these instruments. Three of these firms offered aids to be made in the United Kingdom; the remainder offered aids to be produced overseas.

asked the Minister of Health if the ear level hearing aids he is proposing to issue to children will incorporate a special cord adjustment system to the external receiver.

No. The connector will be available in two different lengths in a semi-stiff form capable of being shaped to suit the wearer.

asked the Minister of Health how many ear level hearing aids for children he has ordered; what is the value of the order; and if the hearing aids will be produced in Great Britain.

An initial order as been placed for 11,250 aids. Contract prices are confidential and I cannot therefore disclose the value of the order. This first batch will be imported from Denmark.

asked the Minister of Health when he expects to begin the issue of ear level hearing aids to children.

Before the end of the year.