asked the Minister for Health if he will have the recent instruction for the supply of incontinence sheets withdrawn; and if he will revert to the former arrangement of prescription by doctors, as the new method is impractical at weekends or for patients in rural areas living long distances from health centres.

The present arrangements for the supply of incontinence sheets were made to overcome widespread abuse in relation to these items under the general medical service. A return to the practice whereby these sheets were dispensed by retail pharmacists is not anticipated.