HC Deb 12 July 1993 vol 228 cc381-2W
Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average prescription cost of a colostomy bag.

Dr. Mawhinney

This information is not available. The average net ingredient cost of prescribing a colostomy bag in 1992 was £1.84.

Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total cost to the NHS in each of the past years of providing colostomy bags on prescription.

Dr. Mawhinney

This information is not available centrally. The net ingredient cost of prescribing colostomy bags in England for the last 10 years was:

Year Net Ingredient Cost (£ million)
1982 4.1
1983 6.2
1984 7.1
1985 11.3
1986 13.2
1987 15.7
1988 16.3
1989 19.5
1990 21.1
19911 23.8
19912 24.8
1992 28.0

Notes:

1 1982 to 1991 data cover prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacists and appliance contractors only.

2 1991 and 1992 data cover prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacists and appliance contractors, dispensing doctors, and prescriptions submitted by prescribing doctors for items personally administered.

Mr. Nigel Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average production cost of a colostomy bag; and what discussion has been held with the pharmaceutical industry to ensure an adequate and economic supply of colostomy bags to those who require this facility.

Dr. Mawhinney

Information on the production costs of colostomy bags is not available. The Department takes into account the cost of products, as well as their general availability, when deciding whether to add individual products to the general practitioner prescribable list or to keep them on the list. If the hon. Member has a particular problem in mind, he may wish to write to me about it.