Written question asked by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 21 July 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 October 2008. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Monday, 6 October 2008 on behalf of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.

Innovation: Medical Equipment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what discussions he has had with the Department of Health on the potential implications for the (a) urology market, (b) stoma market and (c) single-line items market of the proposed new arrangements under Part IX of the Drug Tariff for the provision of stoma and urology appliances, and related services, in Primary Care: A consultation, June 2008; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The Department has had no recent discussions with the Department of Health about its consultation ““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””.However, I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to the hon. Member for Bristol, West (Stephen Williams) by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of State for Public Health on 22 July 2008, Official Report, columns 1311W and 1148W.The Department of Health consultation regarding arrangements under Part IX of the Drug tariff closed on 9 September 2008. Responses are being analysed and no decisions have yet been made.

Secondary information