To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what date he expects to abolish the Hearing Aid Council; what plans he has for the regulation of hearing aid audiologists following the Council's abolition; and how such regulatory functions will be financed during 2008. (192561)

I have been asked to reply.

My officials continue to work towards the deadline of April 2009, which the Government committed to in response to the Hampton Report.

We intend to repeal the Hearing Aid Council Act 1968 as part of the transfer process and officials are considering appropriate legislative routes.

Following abolition, it is planned that audiologists will be regulated by the Health Professions Council. Prior to abolition and during 2008, the Hearing Aid Council will continue to regulate private sector audiologists and it will continue to be financed by fees paid by registered hearing aid dispensers.