To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of deaf children in England; and on what methodology his estimate is based. (222991)

The number of deaf children in England is not collected centrally. Instead, data are collected on the number of children who are registered as deaf or hard of hearing. Inclusion on the register is voluntary and therefore, does not provide a complete picture of the number of children in England who are deaf or hard of hearing.

As at 31 March 2007, 3,400 people aged 0-17 years were registered as deaf in England (4,100 were registered as hard of hearing).

The data are collected every three years on the ‘SSDA910 Register of People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing’ by councils with Adult Social Services Responsibilities.

One council did not provide data and therefore an estimate was calculated based on their previous return in 2004 and the change seen nationally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children aged 18 years and under received (a) unilateral and (b) bilateral cochlear implants in each year since 2001, broken down by primary care trust. (222992)

Unfortunately, Hospital Episode Statistics cannot provide these data by primary care trust as the data would need to be suppressed due to small numbers, therefore providing little information. Instead a break down provided by strategic health authority of residence has been placed in the Library.