§ 12. Dr. Dickson Mabonasked the Minister of Health if he has reconsidered the proposal to make incontinence pads freely available on form EC 10 by their inclusion in the official list for England and Wales, as in Scotland.
§ Mr. BraineMy right hon. Friend's predecessor decided that they should be supplied through the local authorities and a circular has been sent to them commending their provision.
§ Dr. MabonWhy are there anomalies as between the practice in Scotlandand the practice in England and Wales? Would the Joint Parliamentary Secretary be kind enough to have a look at the special list again and see what the differences are between England and Wales and Scotland in this respect? Would he tell us, probably on some other occasion, that in fact in Scotland we seem to have the best end of the stick in this regard?
§ Mr. BraineIt is not for me to inquire into why there should be anomalies in Scotland.
§ Mr. BraineThe position is, as we see it, that incontinence pads are an 8 item of nursing equipment required for care or after-care rather than an item for medical treatment. A circular was issued last July. I accept what the hon. Gentleman says. We will review the position as soon as there has been time to judge its effect.
§ Mr. PavittIs not this a nonsensical position, in view of the shortage of geriatric beds in hospitals? Incontinence pads have been supplied in England in geriatric units in order to keep patients out of hospital. Provision such as they have in Scotland would save the National Health Service money. Will not the Joint Parliamentary Secretary re-examine this position?
§ Mr. BraineI think not. I see no reason why the present arrangement should not work. As I have just told the House, we will see how it works and review the matter, if necessary.