asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many Part IX items are dispensed by the largest dispensing appliance contractor annually; and how many Part IX items are dispensed by the largest theoretical example given in the table on page 27 of their impact assessment on proposed new arrangements for Part IX of the Drug Tariff. [HL5610]

Between 1 August 2007 and 31 August 2008, the largest dispensing appliance contractor dispensed 979,504 Part IXA, Part IXB and Part IXC line items.

Regarding the table on page 27 of the impact assessment that was published alongside the latest consultation entitled Proposed new arrangements under Part IX of the Drug Tariff for the provision of stoma and urology appliances—and related services—in Primary Care. June 2008, the largest theoretical company dispenses 700,000 prescription items per year as stated in the example.