§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much funding has been allocated to each department within each NHS trust for NICE recommended treatments, drugs and technologies. [59559]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 24 May 2002]: We have not allocated earmarked funding for National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended treatments. However, national health service bodies have a statutory obligation to fund such treatments. General allocations to health authorities take account of the pressures on pay, prices and the cost of implementing NICE recommendations which they all face. Allocations have increased by at least 6 per cent. in real terms in 2002–03.