§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action the Government is taking to promote the use of reusable nappies in hospitals. [154771]
§ Dr. LadymanThe Government firmly believes that women and their families should be given information on the use of both re-usable and disposable nappies to make an informed choice. The Pregnancy Book and Birth to Five are two comprehensive information booklets produced by the Department of Health, which are given free to all first time mothers. Both publications give detailed information on both reusable and disposable nappies, including information about nappy laundering services, and suggest that parents ask their midwife to show them how to fold/pin terry nappies if they decide to use them.
It is for individual units and trusts to decide on the practicalities of promoting the use of terry nappies in their own maternity units.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the NHS spent on the(a) purchase and (b) disposal of (i) disposable nappies and (ii) reusable nappies in the last year for which figures are available. [154772]
§ Dr. LadymanThe national Health Service provides very few nappies for newborn babies; mothers are encouraged to provide their own nappies. The main exception is extremely premature babies, for whom commercially available nappies are too large. NHS-bought nappies are therefore provided.
The vast majority of nappies purchased by the NHS are provided for children with disabilities who are incontinent. We do not have central information on the purchase of reusable nappies.
During the financial year 2002–03, the NHS bought approximately 12 million disposable nappies, with a value of £1.5 million.