§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about the discussions he has had with the British Diabetics Association concerning driving licences for diabetics. [46281]
§ Ms Glenda Jackson[holding answer 17 June 1998]My noble Friend the Minister for Roads met representatives of the British Diabetic Association in February to learn at first hand their concerns about the legislation preventing insulin-treated diabetes sufferers from driving medium-sized lorries and minibuses. She undertook to consider the review of medical evidence which they presented. The Department's Advisory Panel on Diabetes and Driving examined this and other 285W evidence, in the light of which they recommended a limited modification to the present restrictions. The Government are currently consulting on a proposal which would allow, subject to meeting the qualifying criteria and stringent annual medical checks, those who have driven medium-sized lorries to renew that entitlement.