§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what representations he has received as to the non-availability of disposable needles for diabetic injection by National Health Service prescription; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will take steps to make available disposable needles for diabetic injection by National Health Service prescription.
§ Dr. VaughanSince taking up office my colleagues and I have received about 30 representations, mostly in the form of letters from hon. Members on behalf of individual constituents, about the non-availability of disposable hypodermic needles for use by diabetic patients.
I have considered this matter very carefully but, at a time when there are so many claims of higher priority on the limited resources available, I do not think we should be justified in incurring expenditure on making single-use needles generally available to diabetic patients.
Where such needles are essential on medical grounds they can already be supplied through hospitals.