asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many dispensing appliance contractors dispense appliances above the cap of 50,000 proposed by the Department of Health; and to how many patients these contractors provide services; and

How much their ongoing review of Part IX of the Drug Tariff has cost in each year since it commenced.

The highest band was 30,000 to 50,000 items and two dispensing appliance contractors dispense more than 50,000 prescription items per month. The department is now analysing responses to its final consultation, including views on the proposed cap to the infrastructure payment. About 450,000 people use stoma and urology appliances.

The in-year costs for the review are shown in the table. These costs were for the services of professional advisers. The department's costs are part of its ongoing operational budget. Costs in 2005 and 2006 also covered the review of arrangements under Part IX of the Drug Tariff for the provision of chemical reagents and some dressings in primary care, as well as the provision of stoma and urology appliances and related services.