HC Deb 15 October 2002 vol 390 cc808-9W
Sandra Gidley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps are being taken to ensure that health economic data used by NICE is accurate, reliable and up-to-date; and if he will make a statement; [74209]

(2) what assessment he has made of the reliability and accuracy of health economic data used by NICE in its appraisals; what mechanisms exist to review the reliability and accuracy of the data; and if he will make a statement. [74210]

Mr. Lammy

The National Institute for Clinical Excellences (NICE) appeals committee obtains health economics data from two main sources—a technology assessment report (TAR) prepared for each appraisal and submissions from manufacturers.

The academic teams which prepare TARs were selected through a competitive tendering process which provides assurance of their competence to carry out this work. Before presenting the TAR to NICE, the team seeks the comments of expert reviewers and technical staff at NICE. The TAR is subsequently scrutinised by the NICE appraisal committee and by consultees to the appraisal.

Submissions from sponsors of technologies (including manufacturing) are critically examined by the academic teams which produce TARs, by the technical staff at NICE and by the appraisal committee.

There is therefore a comprehensive process in place for quality assuring the evidence used in NICE appraisals.

Sandra Gidley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received on the credibility and clarity of NICE guidance; and if he will make a statement. [74211]

Mr. Lammy

We have received correspondence about many appraisals in which the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recommended restricted use of a technology.

The Health Select Committee, on which the hon. Member serves, has published its conclusions on the credibility and clarity of NICE guidance. The Government response was published in September 2002 as Command Paper 5611.

Dr. Evan Harris

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice he has given NICE in respect of his policy of enhancing patient choice in the context of NICE appraisals of modes of dialysis. [74240]

Mr. Lammy

None. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence carries out its appraisals independently of Ministers.