Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Social Services – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 6 November 1973.
Mr Laurie Pavitt
, Willesden West
12:00,
6 November 1973
I recognise that only a small percentage of people cannot use the Medresco aid, but will the Secretary of State address himself to the problems of those working in professions where there is a need for a slightly extra hearing ability? Will he consider, first, giving some priority on that type of ground when the new behind-the-ear aids are issued and, secondly, discussing with the Chancellor of the exchequer the possibility of tax relief on aids as being tools for a job in instances where it can be proven that they are needed in order to continue employment in a profession?
The chancellor of the exchequer is the government's chief financial minister and as such is responsible for raising government revenue through taxation or borrowing and for controlling overall government spending.
The chancellor's plans for the economy are delivered to the House of Commons every year in the Budget speech.
The chancellor is the most senior figure at the Treasury, even though the prime minister holds an additional title of 'First Lord of the Treasury'. He normally resides at Number 11 Downing Street.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
