§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on rationing of medicines in the National Health Service. [134954]
§ Mr. DenhamWith the exception of the small number of medicines covered by schedules 10 and 11 of the general practitioner terms of service, and guided by any locally determined policies, National Health Service prescribers are free to prescribe any available medicines. In deciding on the appropriate treatment for individual patients they should take account of any local or national guidance, in particular any relevant recommendations on clinical and cost-effectiveness from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.