§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the National Institute for Clinical Excellence about its appraisal of the cost effectiveness of beta interferon. [134775]
§ Mr. DenhamThe Department as one of the many stakeholders was given the opportunity to comment on National Institute for Clinical Excellence's provisional appraisal determination and draft guidance on beta interferon for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Like other stakeholders we are awaiting the outcome of the appeal which has been made against the final appraisal determination.
§ Mr. FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people with multiple sclerosis were part of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence review team on prescribing beta interferon. [135481]
§ Mr. DenhamThe Department does not hold this information; details of the appraisal process are a matter for the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE has not yet published its final guidance on beta interferon for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, but will in accordance with its usual procedure have consulted interested parties including patient representative groups.