§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his oral answer of 30 June 1998, Official Report, column 139, if he will set out the conclusions of his officials' examination of Avon Health Authority's policy on beta interferon; and if he will make a statement on the action which follows from that examination. [49273]
§ Mr. Milburn[holding answer 7 July 1998]: Health authorities determine their priorities in the light of evidence about the clinical and cost-effectiveness of treatments, but there must be flexibility for them to consider individual exceptional cases on their merits. The Government want to see fairer access to quality services.
Avon Health Authority most recently considered the issue of beta interferon at its meeting on 30 April 1998. The authority decided, after reviewing relevant evidence, that it would not provide specific funding for the drug on the ground that there is insufficient evidence to support such a decision. Clinicians and trusts are however free to prescribe the drug within existing resources. The decision was widely publicised and the authority indicated its intention to review the position on receipt of further evidence.
Officials are following up the matter with Avon Health Authority to ensure that their most recent decision conforms with Government policy.