asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the responsibilities of health authorities with regard to the supply of incontinence pads to parents of children incontinent by reason of physical or mental disability; and if he will give a summary of any guidance his Department has given to health authorities concerning appropriate levels of supply.

Health authorities are empowered to supply incontinence pads to parents of incontinent children where the children live in their own homes. The extent to which they do so will depend upon local consideration of service priorities in the light of available resources. No specific guidance has been issued to health authorities concerning appropriate levels of supply, as a nursing assessment would normally be made of the needs of an individual child.