Written question asked by Chris Ruane (Labour) on Thursday, 17 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 April 2005. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Monday, 4 April 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether he plans to make talking diabetic monitoring machines available for blind or partially sighted diabetic patients in England.

Answer: Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he plans to make talking diabetic monitoring machines available for blind or partially sighted diabetic patients in England. [223473] Ms Rosie Winterton: There are currently no "talking" or audible blood glucose meters marketed in the United Kingdom. No blood testing meters of any kind are currently available on general practitioner prescription, although blood testing strips are. In the past, "talking" blood glucose meters were marketed, but were withdrawn for commercial reasons outside the Department's control. The Department cannot influence which products are marketed in this country, or the price that manufacturers charge. We have received no application from any company to have audible blood glucose testing equipment made available.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 432 c1094W; 223473
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Disability aids Diabetes Blood Monitoring Medical devices Visual impairment Screening
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk