§ Mr. Sternasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will now permit the prescription of non-disposable plastic syringes for diabetics, particularly those under 16 years; whether he considers the needle-length of the presently prescribable glass syringe to be suitable for children; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenThe plastic insulin syringes currently manufactured are designed only for single use; they cannot be disinfected or sterilized and are not, therefore, regarded as being "non-disposable". The Department is concerned about the potential health hazards to patients from reusing such syringes and does not condone the practice. We cannot justify the considerable additional cost to the NHS of supplying on prescription to all insulin-dependent diabetics plastic syringes intended for use once only. Selective supply on age or any other grounds would be expensive and difficult to maintain. We are satisfied that the range of lengths from 13mm to 40mm of the prescribable reusable needles is suitable for the946W medical needs of most patients including children. If it is medically essential for a particular child, or any other patient to use a syringe or needle which is not available on prescription, it may be supplied on the NHS through the hospital service.