HL Deb 03 February 2003 vol 644 c13WA
Earl Howe

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they intend to conduct a quinquennial review of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence; if so, when this will take place; and what the parameters for the review are to be. [HL1277]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

Quinquennial reviews were abolished following the publication in July 2002 of the reportBetter Government Services: Executive Agencies in the 21st Century. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence was examined by the Health Select Committee in 2002, and is arranging for an external quality assessment of its technology appraisals. The Government will keep under review the need for any further inquiries.