HC Deb 28 July 1998 vol 317 cc170-1W
Mr. McCabe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the extra cost to the NHS of allowing general practitioners to prescribe insulin injection pen needles. [48993]

Mr. Milburn

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Preston (Audrey Wise) on 7 May 1998,Official Report, column 503.

Mr. McCabe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the current annual cost to the NHS of prescribing syringes and needles. [48994]

Mr. Milburn

The net ingredient cost of syringes and needles dispensed in the community in England in 1997 was £6.4 million. Further detail can be found on page 411 of Prescription Cost Analysis, England 1997, copies of which are in the Library. This cost does not take account of discounts, dispensing costs, fees or prescription charges income. Information about hospital dispensing is not available centrally.

Mr. McCabe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he anticipates a decision will be made on whether general practitioners should be allowed to prescribe insulin injection pen needles on the NHS. [48992]

Mr. Milburn

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Tynemouth (Mr. Campbell) on 28 April 1998,Official Report, column 121.