§ Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on providing funding to health authorities to meet the cost of implementing compulsory guidance issued by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.[11094]
§ Mr. HuttonWe expect national health service bodies to fund treatments recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence from their general allocations which increased on average by 6.25 per cent. in real terms for 2001–02.
We are preparing to implement our manifesto commitment that
local health authorities and trusts will be directed to fund drugs and treatments recommended by NICE",and expect to announce further details shortly.