HC Deb 24 April 1963 vol 676 cc205-8
20. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the high cost of diabetic foods, he will bring them within the National Health Service, with a view to supplying such foods to diabetics at reduced prices.

Mr. Noble

I have no power to arrange for the supply of foodstuffs under the National Health Service.

Mr. Dempsey

Could not the Secretary of State decide to take such powers in

Mr. Noble

As the Answer contains a number of figures, I shall, with permission, circulate the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Hughes

Will not the Minister tell the House the principles on which he Acts? How does he select the industries which deserve, and are to get, some of these grants? Does he realise that in Aberdeen, and in the north of Scotland generally, there are many industries which offer to produce goods for export and to absorb some of the many unemployed in that region? Will he give the House some indication of his principles?

Mr. Noble

As the hon. and learned Gentleman knows, if it is a question of industries, it is a question for the Board of Trade. The principle behind most of the road works has been to improve roads where they are most needed and where unemployment at the time was worst.

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view of the fact that a jar of diabetic jam costs a diabetic 5s. and a bar of chocolate 2s.? Is not that an exorbitant price for these people to pay when many of them are unable to walk, some can walk only intermittently and others are in the pensioner class? Is it not about time that the Secretary of State did something to solve this problem?

Mr. Noble

The hon. Gentleman will realise that to alter the National Health Service in this respect would be to go very much wider than dealing with the problem of diabetics. I realise that there are hardship cases, and the National Assistance Board is most ready to try to help where this is needed.

21. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that retirement pensioners who are diabetics and who require insulin, hypodermic needles, surgical spirits and cotton wool, pay eight shillings prescription charges; and if he will abolish these charges.

Mr. Noble

Yes, Sir, but I have asked the doctors to prescribe for all diabetic patients in as large quantities as possible so that these charges have to be met less frequently.

Mr. Dempsey

Is the Minister aware that in some cases as many as seven items are prescribed, at a cost to the pensioner of 14s.? Is not that an extortionate proportion to take from the retirement pension of an old soul? Will he bear in mind that the National Assistance Board assists only in marginal cases and not in the millions of cases involving people above the marginal line, and will he please do something about it?

Mr. Noble

As I explained in my Answer, we are encouraging doctors to help to solve this problem by prescribing in as large quantities as possible. This provides significant help. I cannot consider abolishing these charges as the hon. Gentleman desires.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the Secretary of State aware that pharmaceutical chemists report that there are a large number of people who have to do without certain items on prescriptions given to them by doctors, because they cannot afford to pay for all the items? Is he aware that they ask chemists what items they can do without in order to cut the cost of the prescription to fit their purse instead of to fit their illness? Is not this a disgraceful way to treat people?

Mr. Noble

I think that this is entirely wrong. If it were necessary, as I am sure the right hon. Gentleman knows, people in cases of this sort could bring the matter to his attention, or to my attention, and it could be taken up by the proper authority.

Mr. Ross

Is it not a wasteful practice to ask people to prescribe and others to purchase more than they immediately require in order to save a few shillings? Would it not be far better to wipe this out altogether?

Mr. Noble

I think the hon. Member has got it wrong. In cases concerning diabetics it is possible for the doctor to foretell with considerable accuracy the amount they are likely to need. By prescribing in larger quantities he is giving a very positive benefit in this field.