§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on NICE's report on glatiramer acetate for multiple sclerosis. [9053]
§ Ms BlearsThe National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) Appraisal Committee further considered the evidence on the use of beta interferon and glatiramer acetate for multiple sclerosis sufferers on 25 September 2001. NICE has subsequently issued a provisional appraisal determination (PAD) to interested parties for comment.
The institute has stated that, to allow sufficient time to take proper account of the extensive comments received on the PAD, it now intends to issue the final appraisal determination to consultees towards the end of October this year.
§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he expects NICE to publish its final appraisal determination on the appraisal of glatiramer acetate and beta interferon for multiple sclerosis; [8709]
(2) when the Government expect NICE to publish its Final Appraisal Determination on the appraisal of glatiramer acetate and beta interferon for multiple sclerosis. [9415]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 22 October 2001]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Altrincham and Sale, West (Mr. Brady) on 15 October 2001, Official Report, column 1028W.