Asked by: Ayoub Khan (Independent - Birmingham Perry Barr)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the 10-year Health Plan, when he plans to publish the healthy food standard.
Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will take decisive action on the obesity crisis, easing the strain on our National Health Service and creating the healthiest generation of children ever. The plan committed to introducing mandatory healthy food sales reporting for all large companies in the food sector before the end of this Parliament as well as targets to increase the healthiness of sales in all communities.
To fulfil this commitment, the Government is working towards a Spring 2026 public consultation on Healthier Food Targets and Reporting.
Decisions on policy proposals and implementation will be taken following consultation.
Asked by: Ayoub Khan (Independent - Birmingham Perry Barr)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many emergency inhalers with dosage counters were prescribed by the NHS in the latest period for which data is available; and what proportion of the total number of emergency inhalers prescribed by the NHS in this period had dosage counters.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The NHS Business Services Authority (NHS BSA) produces official statistics on Prescription Cost Analysis (PCA) which show the total volume and cost for drugs, dressings, appliances, and medical devices that have been dispensed in the community in England. These statistics cannot be specifically linked to the marketing authorisations, but they can be linked to pharmaceutical product suppliers using the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices. Suppliers may be distributors, manufacturers, or wholesalers. The following table shows the quantity supplied for National Health Service prescriptions of dry powder inhalers of salbutamol and terbutaline by supplier, for April, May, and June 2025:
Chemical substance | Supplier | Pharmaceutical presentation | April 2025 | May 2025 | June 2025 |
Salbutamol | Orion Pharma (UK) Ltd | Easyhaler Salbutamol sulfate 100micrograms/dose dry powder inhaler | 80,700 | 83,203 | 79,832 |
Easyhaler Salbutamol sulfate 200micrograms/dose dry powder inhaler | 7,248 | 7,287 | 6,961 | ||
GlaxoSmithKline UK Ltd | Ventolin 200micrograms/dose Accuhaler | 36,039 | 34,644 | 36,302 | |
Viatris UK Healthcare Ltd | Salbulin Novolizer 100micrograms/dose inhalation powder | 179 | 152 | 187 | |
Salbulin Novolizer 100micrograms/dose inhalation powder refill | 78 | 56 | 48 | ||
Terbutaline sulphate | AstraZeneca UK Ltd | Bricanyl 500micrograms/dose Turbohaler | 29,818 | 29,938 | 28,678 |
Source: NHS BSA Open Data Portal, PCA data, with further information available at the following link:
https://opendata.nhsbsa.net/.
In addition, the following table shows the quantity supplied for NHS prescriptions of pressurised metered dose inhalers of salbutamol by supplier for April to June 2025:
Chemical Substance | Supplier | Pharmaceutical presentation | April 2025 | May 2025 | June 2025 |
Salbutamol | Teva UK Ltd | Salamol 100micrograms/dose inhaler CFC free (Teva) | 699,675 | 710,174 | 672,394 |
Salamol 100micrograms/dose Easi-Breathe inhaler | 61,653 | 69,182 | 63,136 | ||
Airomir 100micrograms/dose inhaler | 4,467 | 3,435 | 1,899 | ||
Airomir 100micrograms/dose Autohaler | 3,904 | 2,949 | 2,423 | ||
Salbutamol 100micrograms/dose inhaler CFC free | 242 | 95 | 34 | ||
Generic supplier | Salbutamol 100micrograms/dose inhaler CFC free | 487,491 | 485,820 | 458,946 | |
GlaxoSmithKline UK Ltd | Ventolin 100micrograms/dose Evohaler | 301,060 | 305,766 | 290,367 | |
A A H Pharmaceuticals Ltd | Salbutamol 100micrograms/dose inhaler | 101 | 56 | 6 | |
3M Health Care Ltd | Aerolin 100micrograms/dose Autohaler | 2 | 1 |
|
Source: NHS BSA Open Data Portal, PCA data, with further information available at the following link:
https://opendata.nhsbsa.net/
‘Salbutamol 100micrograms/dose inhaler CFC free’ is reimbursed generically according to the Drug Tariff Part VIIIA, so it is not necessary for pharmacy reimbursement claims to state the supplier. In cases where the NHS BSA has no supplier information, these items are classified as ‘Generic Supplier’.
As set out in the answer I gave on 23 July 2025 to Question 68960, we do not hold prescribing data that specifically differentiates inhalers based on whether they have dosage counters. We note, however, that most dry powder inhalers have dosage counters, whilst most pressurised inhalers do not. In June 2025 the proportion of salbutamol and terbutaline sulphate inhalers that were dry powder inhalers was 9.3%.
Asked by: Ayoub Khan (Independent - Birmingham Perry Barr)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 17 July to Question 68960 on Asthma: Medical Equipment, how many NHS-prescribed (a) dry powder inhalers and (b) pressurised metered dose inhalers were purchased from each of the relevant Market Authorisation Holders in the latest three periods for which data is available.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The NHS Business Services Authority (NHS BSA) produces official statistics on Prescription Cost Analysis (PCA) which show the total volume and cost for drugs, dressings, appliances, and medical devices that have been dispensed in the community in England. These statistics cannot be specifically linked to the marketing authorisations, but they can be linked to pharmaceutical product suppliers using the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices. Suppliers may be distributors, manufacturers, or wholesalers. The following table shows the quantity supplied for National Health Service prescriptions of dry powder inhalers of salbutamol and terbutaline by supplier, for April, May, and June 2025:
Chemical substance | Supplier | Pharmaceutical presentation | April 2025 | May 2025 | June 2025 |
Salbutamol | Orion Pharma (UK) Ltd | Easyhaler Salbutamol sulfate 100micrograms/dose dry powder inhaler | 80,700 | 83,203 | 79,832 |
Easyhaler Salbutamol sulfate 200micrograms/dose dry powder inhaler | 7,248 | 7,287 | 6,961 | ||
GlaxoSmithKline UK Ltd | Ventolin 200micrograms/dose Accuhaler | 36,039 | 34,644 | 36,302 | |
Viatris UK Healthcare Ltd | Salbulin Novolizer 100micrograms/dose inhalation powder | 179 | 152 | 187 | |
Salbulin Novolizer 100micrograms/dose inhalation powder refill | 78 | 56 | 48 | ||
Terbutaline sulphate | AstraZeneca UK Ltd | Bricanyl 500micrograms/dose Turbohaler | 29,818 | 29,938 | 28,678 |
Source: NHS BSA Open Data Portal, PCA data, with further information available at the following link:
https://opendata.nhsbsa.net/.
In addition, the following table shows the quantity supplied for NHS prescriptions of pressurised metered dose inhalers of salbutamol by supplier for April to June 2025:
Chemical Substance | Supplier | Pharmaceutical presentation | April 2025 | May 2025 | June 2025 |
Salbutamol | Teva UK Ltd | Salamol 100micrograms/dose inhaler CFC free (Teva) | 699,675 | 710,174 | 672,394 |
Salamol 100micrograms/dose Easi-Breathe inhaler | 61,653 | 69,182 | 63,136 | ||
Airomir 100micrograms/dose inhaler | 4,467 | 3,435 | 1,899 | ||
Airomir 100micrograms/dose Autohaler | 3,904 | 2,949 | 2,423 | ||
Salbutamol 100micrograms/dose inhaler CFC free | 242 | 95 | 34 | ||
Generic supplier | Salbutamol 100micrograms/dose inhaler CFC free | 487,491 | 485,820 | 458,946 | |
GlaxoSmithKline UK Ltd | Ventolin 100micrograms/dose Evohaler | 301,060 | 305,766 | 290,367 | |
A A H Pharmaceuticals Ltd | Salbutamol 100micrograms/dose inhaler | 101 | 56 | 6 | |
3M Health Care Ltd | Aerolin 100micrograms/dose Autohaler | 2 | 1 |
|
Source: NHS BSA Open Data Portal, PCA data, with further information available at the following link:
https://opendata.nhsbsa.net/
‘Salbutamol 100micrograms/dose inhaler CFC free’ is reimbursed generically according to the Drug Tariff Part VIIIA, so it is not necessary for pharmacy reimbursement claims to state the supplier. In cases where the NHS BSA has no supplier information, these items are classified as ‘Generic Supplier’.
As set out in the answer I gave on 23 July 2025 to Question 68960, we do not hold prescribing data that specifically differentiates inhalers based on whether they have dosage counters. We note, however, that most dry powder inhalers have dosage counters, whilst most pressurised inhalers do not. In June 2025 the proportion of salbutamol and terbutaline sulphate inhalers that were dry powder inhalers was 9.3%.
Asked by: Ayoub Khan (Independent - Birmingham Perry Barr)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 11 July 2025 to Question 65186 on Asthma: Medical Equipment, which pharmaceutical companies are registered as marketing authorisation holders for (a) dry powder inhalers containing (i) salbutamol and (ii) terbutaline and (b) pressurised metered dose inhalers containing salbutamol.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The following table shows the four market authorisation holders (MAH) for dry power inhalers (DPIs) containing salbutamol and terbutaline, along with the three MAHs for pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs):
Pharmaceutical company | Inhaler type | Medicine |
Glaxo Wellcome UK Ltd | DPI | Salbutamol |
Orion Corp | DPI | Salbutamol |
Maylan Products Ltd | DPI | Salbutamol |
Astrazeneca UK Ltd Pharmacovigilance | DPI | Terbutaline |
Sandoz B.V. | pMDI | Salbutamol |
Kent Pharma UK Ltd | pMDI | Salbutamol |
Cipla (EU) Ltd | pMDI | Salbutamol |
Asked by: Ayoub Khan (Independent - Birmingham Perry Barr)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 1 July 2025 to Question 62448 on Asthma: Medical Equipment, how many patients with asthma receive their inhaler prescriptions (a) free of charge and (b) at the current prescription charge in the latest period for which data is available.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
Whilst the NHS Business Services Authority collects data for the number of specific prescription items dispensed in England, it is not possible to determine the indication for which a medicine was prescribed. Given inhalers can be used to treat medical conditions other than asthma, for example chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, we are unable to determine how many were dispensed for the treatment of asthma.
From February to April 2025, dispensers in the community in England issued inhalation products to approximately 3,751,000 unique patients who did not pay a charge at the point of dispensing. This total includes items where no charge was collected due to a patient holding a valid pre-payment certificate.
Furthermore, from February to April 2025, dispensers in the community in England issued inhalation products to approximately 492,000 unique patients who did pay a charge at the point of dispensing. Figures are approximate, as a unique patient cannot always be identified from a paper prescription.
Asked by: Ayoub Khan (Independent - Birmingham Perry Barr)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 3 July 2025 to Question 62444 on Asthma: Medical Equipment, what steps his Department is taking to encourage an increase in the number of market authorisation holders for dosage counters for emergency inhalers.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has not taken steps to increase the number of marketing authorisation holders for short-acting beta agonist pressurised metered-dose inhalers with integrated dose counters. As the United Kingdom’s independent regulator for medicines and medical devices, the MHRA promotes patient safety and supports improvements in product design but does not have the remit to direct or influence the commercial decisions of pharmaceutical companies. The MHRA can provide scientific and regulatory advice to support potential new entrants to the market, but cannot compel or incentivise companies to apply for marketing authorisation for specific products.
Asked by: Ayoub Khan (Independent - Birmingham Perry Barr)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many asthma patients receiving their inhaler prescriptions (a) free of charge and (b) at the current prescription charge have been admitted to hospitals with life-threatening asthma attacks in the latest period for which data is available.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Government and its arm’s-length bodies, including the NHS Business Services Authority, do not collect this information.
Asked by: Ayoub Khan (Independent - Birmingham Perry Barr)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many asthma attacks that resulted in hospital admissions occurred in schools that (a) had emergency inhalers and (b) did not have emergency inhalers installed on their grounds.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The information requested is not held centrally.
Asked by: Ayoub Khan (Independent - Birmingham Perry Barr)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 3 July 2025 to Question 62444 on Asthma: Medical Equipment, how many pharmaceutical companies are registered as marketing authorisation holders for dosage counters in emergency inhalers.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency understands the term “emergency asthma inhalers” in this context to refer to inhalers containing short-acting beta agonist, such as salbutamol and terbutaline, licensed for the rapid relief of symptoms during acute asthma attacks or bronchospasm, as well as for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm.
There are typically two types of inhalers used, pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDI), often described as an ‘aerosol’ or ‘spray’ inhaler, and dry powder inhalers (DPI). Pressurised metered dose inhalers may be used more commonly in the United Kingdom.
All the currently licensed DPIs containing salbutamol or terbutaline include dose counters or dose indicators. There are four registered marketing authorisation holders in total.
None of the currently licensed pMDIs containing salbutamol for this emergency indication include dose counters or dose indicators. There are currently no licensed pMDIs containing terbutaline.