To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many submissions were received during the evidence-gathering phase for the development of the Quality and Outcomes Framework for 2008-09; how many of these were received from (a) national societies, (b) patient groups, (c) pharmaceutical companies, (d) individuals, (e) primary care organisations and (f) others; and how many related to each type of disease. (156413)

The team of experts appointed by NHS Employers and the British Medical Association (BMA) to inform the ongoing review and development of the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) received 153 submissions in its latest round of evidence gathering. NHS Employers have announced that the breakdown of source of the submissions was as follows: national societies (27 per cent.), patient groups (25 per cent.), pharmaceutical companies (13 per cent.), individuals (15 per cent.), primary care organisations (10 per cent.), others (10 per cent.).

Any changes to the QOF depend on wider discussions between NHS Employers and the BMA about the General Medical Services contract. The advice given to the negotiating parties by the expert panel and further details of the submissions received, including the number related to each type of disease, are confidential to the negotiations.