To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations she has received on the decision by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence that from 22 November people with Alzheimer’s disease should no longer be prescribed Alzheimer’s drugs on the NHS in the early and late stages of the disease. (97995)

Between 11 to 26 October 2006, the Department received 115 letters regarding the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence’s appraisal of drugs for the treatment of people with Alzheimer’s disease.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the clinical benefits of Alzheimer’s drugs at each stage of the disease; and what estimate she has made of the cost of such drugs at each stage. (97996)

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has not yet published its final revised guidance to the national health service on drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. I understand that this guidance will be published on 22 November 2006.