asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average time taken to provide hearing aids through the National Health Service; and what proposals he has for reducing such time.

Information about average waiting times is not collected. I am advised, however, that approximately 12,500 people, including those who exchanged a body-worn aid for a behind-the-ear model, were seen in December 1976, the latest month for which figures are available, and about 47,000 were on the waiting list. Health authorities are very conscious of the need to ensure that waiting times are kept as short as possible, and we have made available special funds to assist them in implementing the current hearing aid programme.