§ Virginia BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure that there is equal access in different areas to Herceptin. [136283]
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§ Miss Melanie JohnsonMy right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health, has asked the National Cancer Director, Professor Mike Richards, to look at the National Health Service in every region and ensure the cancer drugs and treatments, including herceptin, which have been approved by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, are available nationally.
Professor Richards will be working with cancer networks and the pharmaceutical industry over the next few months to assess the position and identify and address any underlying variations in prescription rates.