§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received encouraging him to provide diabetics with free needles for use in treatment; if he has any plans to make such provision either generally or to particular groups of diabetics; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 14 October 1991]: Disposable syringes and needles for use by patients requiring insulin treatment have been available on general medical practitioners' prescription in Scotland since September 1987. Patients requiring insulin treatment are exempt from prescription charges. Re-usable hypodermic equipment had been available on GP prescription for some time before then.