§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether cassette needles used by diabetics will be made available free of charge on the same basis as existing needles and syringes supplied for their needs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyNational health service supply arrangements for insulin pens and needles need to be considered together. Subject to our normal evaluation of individual brands, we would consider making pens and596W needles prescribable, as an alternative to syringes, provided that this can be done without additional cost. Discussions with suppliers are currently in progress.