To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many letters his Department has received since the deadline for comments on the proposed changes to Part IX of the Drug Tariff from (a) right hon. and hon. Members and (b) others; and whether the views expressed in those letters will be taken into account when he considers the options for Arrangements under Part IX of the Drug Tariff for the provision of stoma and incontinence appliances - and related services - to Primary Care. [Official Report, 17 March 2008, Vol. 473, c. 3MC.] (181986)

[holding answer 25 January 2008]: The following table summarises the number of letters the Department has received since 28 December 2007 regarding the review of part IX of the Drug Tariff. The majority of correspondence from right hon. and hon. Members enclosed letters from constituents.

As the review is ongoing, all comments will be considered.

However, any correspondence dated after 28 December 2007 will not be counted among the responses to the three-month consultation ‘Arrangements under Part IX of the Drug Tariff for the provision of stoma and incontinence appliances— and related services— to Primary Care. Revised Proposals’ as the closing date was 28 December 2007.