§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if his officials have concluded their review of the impact of the introduction of the VAT Order SI 1997/2744; and if he will make a statement. [59895]
§ Mr. MilburnOfficials have concluded their review of the impact of the introduction of the Value Added Tax Order Statutory Instrument 1997/2744.
They are now working closely with Her Majesty's Treasury officials to finalise the administrative procedures to ameliorate the effect of the VAT Order on the supply 562W of certain renal and cancer drugs and on the supply of pharmaceutical products by retail pharmacists to residents of nursing homes.
The VAT Order also affected certain incontinence supplies. A review of continence policy is currently underway which is intended to ensure that the most appropriate and effective continence services are being planned and delivered.