§ Mr. Spellerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what assessment he has made of the cost of supplying free disposable syringes to diabetics on the same basis as the issue of disposable syringes to known drug addicts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieAs my right hon. Friend announced on 18 December 1986, it is intended to establish a number of special schemes for drug misusers in different parts of the United Kingdom which will include the exchange of used and possibly infected needles and syringes: their location and number have yet to be finalised. Such schemes are not appropriate for people with diabetes and no assessment of the cost of supplying syringes on such a basis has, therefore, been made. The whole question of issue of disposable syringes to diabetics is currently under review.