GERRY Bermingham has supported an Early Day Motion calling for the introduction of hearing screening for all new-born babies in the UK.

In December the Government announced the first 20 health authority areas to pilot the screen.

The motion called on the Government to go further and announce a firm timetable for the national roll-out of the screen so that all deaf children can benefit.

The St Helens South MP said: "The announcement of the 20 pilot areas is a welcome development. I will continue to campaign for the national roll-out of newborn hearing screening so that deaf children born in St Helens -- and throughout the country -- will also benefit".