Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 31 August 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 September 2004. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Thursday, 9 September 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make it his policy to make a financial contribution towards the start-up costs of (a) the provision of free cotton nappies for in-house use and (b) an awareness campaign to promote use of cotton nappies in the Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to make a financial contribution towards the start-up costs of (a) the provision of free cotton nappies for in-house use and (b) an awareness campaign to promote use of cotton nappies in the Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust; and if he will make a statement. [187480] Ms Rosie Winterton: It is for individual units and trusts to decide on the practicalities of promoting the use of cotton nappies in their own maternity units. In line with our policy to devolve decision making to those at the front line of national health service provision I do not see a role in these decisions for a central Government Department. I understand that Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust does not provide any nappies at present unless it is an emergency situation.

Secondary information