§ 57. Mr. G. Griffithsasked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the question of giving insulin free to the de pendants of State insured persons?
§ Sir K. WoodThis suggestion can hardly be considered apart from the general question of providing medical treatment and medicines for the dependants of insured persons, which raises financial and other issues of great importance.
§ Mr. GriffithsDid not the Parliamentary Secretary in the answer he gave me last week say that these dependants would get insulin, and that the Minister himself would bring in legislation on the matter? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that insulin is now being sold about 28 per cent. cheaper, and I am desirous 1334 that these dependants who are dying like flies should be able to have it?
§ Sir K. WoodI can only repeat that we cannot differentiate in this matter. We shall have to consider the whole question of the provision of medical treatment and medicines for the dependants of insured persons.