§ Mr. Geraint DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. [106250]
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§ Mr. DenhamNICE will secure a more rapid uptake of cost-effective innovations, eliminate the lottery of care, and help the NHS deliver the best possible patient care with the resources available. NICE's initial work programme was announced in November. Interim guidance on Relenza has already been issued. Appraisal guidance on hip implants, extraction of wisdom teeth, taxanes for breast and ovarian cancer, coronary artery stents, and new diagnostic techniques for cervical cancer will follow over the next three months or so. The first compilation of general practitioner referral guidelines will be published in April.