Oral Answers to Questions

John Healey Excerpts
Tuesday 10th January 2012

(12 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Lansley Portrait Mr Lansley
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I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who clearly understands that NICE is responsible for the methods it uses in the development of its guidance and that it is undertaking a review of its appraisal methods. I expect that that will be published for consultation this year. NICE should issue final guidance only after careful consideration of the evidence and public consultation with stakeholders, including patient and professional groups.

John Healey Portrait John Healey (Wentworth and Dearne) (Lab)
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It is sometimes hard to follow the Secretary of State as he can get lost in his own jargon. Just to be clear: if NICE says that a drug should be available to patients on the NHS wherever they live and whatever their clinical commissioning group, will they get it? Can he give that guarantee today?