THE MS for Clwyd West, Darren Millar, has emphasised the need for incontinence products to be made available in public toilets.

Mr Millar has questioned Welsh Government as whether this is a policy it would be keen to promote.

Speaking in yesterday’s (September 26) Senedd meeting, Mr Millar raised the matter in the Business Statement, referring to Raymond Starr, a constituent of his with prostate cancer.

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Raymond, from Abergele, has highlighted the need for such products to be readily available in public conveniences, in the same way that sanitary products are.

Mr Millar said: “Can I call for a statement from the minister for health and social services on calls from a constituent of mine from Abergele, who is a prostate cancer sufferer, who, unfortunately, has to use incontinence products from time to time?

“There's been a great stride forward in recent years with the availability of period products in public lavatories; I think that's a positive development.

“But we don't have a similar development for all the people, like my constituent and others, who may need to use incontinence products.

“So, I wonder whether Welsh Government could give us a statement on whether they have considered whether placing incontinence products in public conveniences is a policy that they would like to promote in Wales.”

In her response, the Trefnydd, Lesley Griffith MS, said: “You raise a very important point in your question.

“It's not something I'm aware of that we are currently considering, but, obviously, the minister for health and social services is in her place and heard your question.”

Speaking afterwards, Mr Millar said: “There are many men and women out there with urinary and bowel incontinence and it is important that we ensure they can access the relevant products whilst they are out and about.

 “We must also ensure there are sanitary bins in men’s toilets to enable them to dispose of incontinence products.”

Last week, Raymond told the Journal that urinary incontinence, which can be a consequence of the surgery undertaken to treat prostate cancer, can feel “like a flowing tap”.

The charity Prostate Cancer UK is leading the “Boys Need Bins” campaign, with Raymond saying that urinary incontinence can leave men feeling “embarrassed, stressed and isolated”.