HC Deb 11 March 1991 vol 187 c351W
Mr. Terry Davis

To ask the Secretary of State for Health why it has been decided not to make the needles used with Novapen syringes available at no charge to people who receive a free supply of insulin on prescription.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

NHS supply arrangements for insulin pens and needles need to be considered together. Subject to our normal evaluation of individual brands, including Novapen, we would consider making pens and needles prescribable as an alternative to syringes, if this could be done without additional cost. Discussions with suppliers are currently in progress.