To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many errors, inaccuracies and omissions were identified by industry within his Department of Health's new part IX drug tariff categories; and if he will make a statement. (171196)

Following publication of arrangements under the Part IX of the Drug Tariff for the provision of stoma and incontinence appliances and related services to Primary Care revised proposals on 6 September 2007, the Department received a number of representations that indicated that some errors highlighted in the item classification table in the November 2006 consultation had not been corrected in the latest published consultation document.

In summary, 478 editorial changes have been requested; the majority could be considered errors, for example incorrect reference codes.

In addition, 124 omissions have been identified mainly as a result of companies change of ownership during the course of this consultation.

Departmental officials are currently considering the best way to incorporate these corrections. All stakeholders will be advised once a decision has been made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department will publish the revised categories for part IX of the drug tariff, which have been amended as a result of corrections and revisions submitted by industry prior to 9 November 2007. (171199)

Departmental officials are currently reviewing the best way to incorporate the corrections and revisions received from all stakeholders. When a decision has been reached all stakeholders will be advised.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what redress companies will have in the event of a dispute about the accuracy of a product’s classification under proposed changes to Part IX of the Drug Tariff; (165372)

The consultation entitled “Arrangements under Part IX of the Drug Tariff for the provision of stoma and incontinence appliances—and related services—to Primary Care. Revised Proposals” sets out the proposed changes to the classification of Part IX stoma and incontinence appliances. Copies of the consultation are available in the Library and is also available at

www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/DH_078135

The consultation is the mechanism through which interested parties may comment on these proposals. Companies are encouraged to advise of errors or suggestions during the consultation which runs until 28 December 2007.

One of the stated objectives of the Part IX review is the facilitation of innovative solutions. Views are sought on this by way of the consultation process and we have been reliant on the responses of stakeholders, including industry, in relation to the effects of these proposals may have. This in ongoing until the end of the consultation.