Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions officials in his Department have had with (a) NICE and (b) NHS England on the changes needed in the NICE methods and process review to deliver on the Government’s ambition to be a global life sciences hub.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)’s review into its methods and processes for assessing new medicines is currently live. The review has sought input from a wide range of stakeholders, and officials from across Government – including those in HM Treasury – have been engaged as appropriate. NICE is an independent body, and I look forward to seeing the outcome of the Review in due course.