To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will agree to a review of the effectiveness of the remit and scope of National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence investigations; and if she will make a statement. (96957)

I have no such plans to undertake a review of the remit and scope of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

As part of NICE’s normal business, its technology appraisal process and methodology is subject to periodic review which includes a public consultation. NICE’s appraisal process was last subject to such a review in 2003-04, and I understand that NICE will be undertaking a further scheduled review next year including a public consultation stage.