To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance she has issued to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence on the use of (a) quality adjusted life year measures and (b) cost per life year gained when assessing cancer medicines. (98489)

[holding answer 1 November 2006]: No such guidance has been issued to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE’s appraisal methods are set out in its methods guide published in April 2004 and available on NICE’s website at www.nice.org.uk/page.aspx?o=201973.

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.