To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to issue free pen needles for use by insulin-dependent diabetics. [76881]

I announced on 25 February that we hope to allow insulin pen needles and reusable insulin injection pens to be prescribed by general practitioners on the National Health Service. This would be contingent upon the addition of pre-filled, disposable pens to Schedule 10 to the National Health Service (General Medical Services) Regulations 1992 on which we are consulting interested parties. Copies of this announcement and the consultation letter have been placed in the Library.The consultation period ends on 9 April 1999.