To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence's preliminary recommendation of 7 August 2007 on percutaneous coronary intervention; and if he will make a statement. (156162)

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is reviewing its October 2003 guidance on the use of drug-eluting stents for the treatment of coronary artery disease. NICE is currently considering the responses it has received from stakeholders during the recent consultation on its draft recommendations. As NICE has not yet issued final guidance it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this stage.

NICE expects to publish final guidance in March 2008.