§ Mr. HavardTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions are taking place between his Department and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence to create a new fast track process allowing interim guidance between class appraisals to be given for medical treatments that are licensed. [126372]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonOfficials have held preliminary discussions with the National Institute for Clinical Excellence about the possible development of interim guidance, but no decisions have yet been taken.
§ Mr. HavardTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he plans to make more resources available for the National Institute for Clinical Excellence to conduct more appraisals each year. [126373]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonFunding for the National Institute for Clinical Excellence has been set for the three financial years, 2003–04 to 2005–06. The funding includes provision for an additional appraisal committee to be established. This will enable more appraisals to be carried out.