§ 12. Rev. Martin Smyth (Belfast, South) (UUP)When he expects Enbrel to be available for general prescription throughout the NHS. [182193]
§ The Minister of State, Department of Health (Ms Rosie Winterton)Enbrel is already available on NHS prescription.
§ Rev. Martin SmythIt may be in England, but I understand that it is not yet available in Northern Ireland, where patients are crying out for it. Will the Minister have a chat with her colleagues in the Northern Ireland Office to find out whether Enbrel may become free on prescription not in three years' time, but to meet patients' needs at the moment?
§ Ms WintertonAs I said, Enbrel is available on prescription. The hon. Gentleman may be referring to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines, which are implemented in England and Wales, but the implementation of NICE guidelines is, in fact, a devolved decision. However, I can assure him that officials in the Northern Ireland Office are considering more formal ways of working with the relevant national standard-setting bodies, including NICE, which will address the problem that he raises.