§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will arrange for plastic sugar level testing strips and plastic syringes to be available to diabetics on prescription; what representations he has received on this issue; what are the estimated net costs of making such items available on prescription; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieBlood glucose testing strips and plastic syringes are already available to diabetics through the hospital service where clinically necessary. We have received many representations from hon. Members and others requesting that they be prescribed by general practitioners. In round terms, this would cost the family practitoner services about £15 million to £20 million a year. At present the necessary resources are not available, and in any event it would be necessary to consider priorities, bearing in mind the many other desirable developments to which any additional resources may be devoted.