To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons his Department recommended that temsirolimus should be referred to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence for appraisal as part of the multiple technology appraisal in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. (263474)

Temsirolimus was referred to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) as part of the multiple technology appraisal of drugs for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma in September 2007, following a consultation by NICE with stakeholders on the proposed remit and scope for the appraisal. Information on this consultation, including a summary of responses, is available on the NICE website at:

www.nice.org.uk/Guidance/TA/Wave14/22