§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his policy in respect of the continued universal availability of animal insulin to NHS patients who prefer such insulin to synthetic insulin. [7026]
§ Mr. HoramWe recognise that some people with diabetes prefer to use animal rather than human insulin. Decisions as to the most suitable type of insulin for particular patients are matters for professional clinical judgment. The main supplier of animal insulin in this country has assured us that it has no plans to discontinue its production in the foreseeable future. Therefore, animal insulin will continue to be available for those patients who are prescribed it.