§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received on the discrepancies between health authorities in prescribing beta interferon and Interferon for MS; and if he will make a statement. [64459]
§ Mr. LammyMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received the hon. Member's letter of 20 June. According to the Department's records we have not received any other recent representations about prescribing discrepancies under the risk-sharing scheme1260W for drugs for people with multiple sclerosis announced on 4 February. The scheme started to operate on 6 May and the guidance in Health Service Circular 2002–04 recognised that it may take 18 months or longer for treatment to be initiated for all eligible patients.
§ Mr. HealdTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans are in place and what the timetable is to introduce the beta interferon risk-sharing scheme to Hertfordshire. [68107]
§ Mr. LammyThe National Health Service organisations in Hertfordshire are close to finalising arrangements to meet the requirements of the guidance in health service circular 2002–04 so that patients who meet the criteria developed by the association of British neurologists benefit from treatment with Beta Interferon.