To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason the NHS does not meet the cost of the prescription of Tarceva to patients in England; and whether he plans to review this policy. (315359)

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published technology appraisal guidance in November 2008 recommending Tarceva as an alternative to the drug docetaxel for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Primary care trusts are statutorily required to make funding available for treatments recommended by NICE's technology appraisal guidance.