HC Deb 21 June 2000 vol 352 c204W
Mr. Pickthall

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress of the review of the driving licensing regime for insulin users. [126582]

Mr. Hill

The following progress has been made

  1. (i) The Honorary Medical Advisory Panel on Driving and Diabetes has been asked to reconsider their view on what constitutes "very exceptional cases". They have also been asked to compile relevant research data.
  2. (ii) Inquiries have been made with other EU member states about arrangements for the licensing of insulin treated diabetics.
  3. (iii) Preliminary inquiries have been made with the European Commission about the interpretation of Directive 91/439/EEC. Follow up arrangements are in hand.
  4. (iv) Work has begun on developing the specification for two research projects to be initiated in this financial year. Tendering is expected to take place in early Autumn.