§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when national guidance will be issued to the National Health Service on the treatment of incontinence. [41055]
§ Mr. MilburnThe National Health Service Executive will conduct a review of continence policy to ensure that the most appropriate and effective continence services are being planned and delivered. The aim will be to issue further guidance on continence services based on the conclusions of the review once it has been completed.
§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what level of funding his Department has given to voluntary organisations providing support for incontinent people in the UK seeking advice and products outside the NHS. [41053]
502W
§ Mr. MilburnThe Department runs a scheme whereby voluntary organisations operating in the health and personal social services field can apply for grants under Section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968. The following amounts have been paid under this scheme:
Year £ 1990–91 10,000 1991–92 nil 1992–93 56,250 1993–94 197,572 1994–95 164,559 1995–96 197,593 1996–97 182,492 1997–98 56,000 1998–99 54,750
§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultation he has had with pharmacists and other health retailers on the future supply of continence pads through the retail sector; and when these meetings were held. [41054]
§ Mr. MilburnThere have been no such meetings as there are no plans to change the basis of supply of continence pads from the National Health Service to the retail sector.