HC Deb 22 November 1965 vol 721 c16
33. Mr. Orbach

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make disposable needles for syringes available for diabetics treated under the National Health Service.

Mr. Loughlin

Where disposable needles are essential for a diabetic on clinical grounds, they can be supplied through the hospital and specialist services.

Mr. Orbach

May I ask my hon. Friend why, if they can be supplied, as they are in the hospital which I have in mind, for clinical purposes—a child is trained on them, as it were—the child cannot receive the sharper disposable needle when he goes outside the hospital, and treats himself, rather than the blunt undisposable needle?

Mr. Loughlin

This is a medical matter and there is no reason why the child should not receive disposable needles. It depends on whether the hospital concerned considers that it is necessary for him to do so. I see little difference between the child going to the hospital for his needles and his going to the chemist.

Mr. Orbach

He cannot obtain them from the hospital——

Mr. Speaker

Order. Dr. Summerskill.

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