§ Dr. NaysmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent by the NHS on(a) incontinence pads and (b) incontinence pants in each of the last three years. [153548]
§ Mr. HuttonIncontinence pads and pants are supplied either through National Health Service bodies, or supplied directly to patients' homes. Where products are supplied through NHS bodies, the figures in the table are broken down into spend on pads and on pants.
In respect of delivery to patients' homes, the breakdown between pads and pants is not held centrally.
£ million April 1997 to March 1998 April 1998 to March 1999 April 1999 to March 2000 Pads 23.7 25.7 22.8 Pants 1.8 2.5 2.6 Home delivery1 22.1 23.3 25.3 1 Pads and pants
§ Dr. NaysmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent by the NHS on incontinence appliances, with particular reference to bedding mats and creams, in each of the last three years. [153550]
§ Mr. HuttonThe figures in the table show the National Health Service spend on incontinence appliances for the last three years. These appliances include urine drainage 721W bags, bed pads, creams, incontinence sheaths and catheter valves. The figures exclude those appliances bought on prescription.
£ million NHS spend on continence appliances April 1997 to March 1998 7.2 April 1998 to March 1999 10.2 April 1999 to March 2000 10.6