asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will issue a general direction to the Post Office to install amplified telephones for the use of those suffering from partial deafness in selected Crown post offices and some public places where the technical problems can be surmounted.

No, Sir. The Post Office is fully aware of the needs of the hard of hearing and is already conducting trials of suitably modified coinbox equipment.

Is the Minister aware that I am most grateful for the conversations I have had with senior technicians in the Post Office, who have assured me that the subject of my Question is a possibility in the very near future? Will he exert pressure to make such that the near future comes very shortly, and see at the same time that the research into induction coil and loop reception is exploited so that when the new behind-the-ear aids become available this will be available in telephones, too?

I am glad for what the hon. Gentleman said. The Post Office has agreed to proceed with trials at selected sites throughout the country as soon as possible.