§ Mr. Craigenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the findings of the Strathclyde diabetic group relating to the safe and cost-effective re-use of plastic disposable syringes and their acceptability to those involved, a copy of which has been sent to him by the hon. Member for Glasgow, Maryhill.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe findings of the Strathclyde diabetic group have not allayed my concern about the potential hazards of re-using these syringes, which are specifically designed for single-use and cannot be re-sterilised or cleaned after use. I know that many patients prefer the convenience of plastic syringes but making them generally available on prescription to all insulin-dependent diabetics for single-use would add substantially to health service costs. Patients for whom such syringes are medically essential may obtain them on the NHS through the hospital service.