To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to review the (a) remit and (b) scope of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence to ensure that they are able adequately to assess the wider benefits to society across (i) health, (ii) social care, (iii) carers and (iv) families; and if she will make a statement. (97819)

The Department has no plans to review the remit and scope of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. NICE explicitly takes account of publicly funded health and personal social services costs in its appraisals, and also takes account of factors such as benefits to carers where it is appropriate to do so.

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.