§ Audrey WiseTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the extra cost of allowing general practitioners to prescribe injection pen needles to diabetic patients; and how many people would benefit from this change. [40777]
§ Mr. MilburnDepartmental officials are in discussion with the major suppliers of insulin injection pen needles with a view to refining the cost estimates which are currently between £10 million and £30 million a year. In its different forms diabetes is estimated to affect 2.4 per cent. of the adult population in this country—that is over one million people. 10 to 15 per cent. of those with diabetes are dependent on regular insulin injections and could therefore benefit.