To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of anti-arrhythmic drugs currently available to patients with atrial fibrillation; and what steps they are taking to help those who often experience side effects from those drugs. [HL1554]

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the draft guidance published by National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence proposing to refuse approval of the use of Dronedarone to patients in England and Wales. [HL1555]

There are a number of anti-arrhythmic drugs currently available. Every case is considered individually and clinicians assess each case and will offer tailored treatment that suits the circumstances. The possible side effects should be discussed and managed appropriately.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published draft guidance on dronedarone and stakeholders had the opportunity to comment on NICE's recommendations. The consultation closed on 28 January 2010.

However, NICE is an independent body and it would not be appropriate to interfere in an ongoing NICE appraisal.

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people in the United Kingdom have atrial fibrillation; and what steps they are taking to ensure that patients and their doctors have a choice of options for managing that condition. [HL1556]

It is estimated that there are 600,000 patients in England with atrial fibrillation (AF). NHS Improvement have published a variety of documents to address the identification, diagnosis and management of AF including commissioning guidance and national priority projects where cardiac networks have completed work with primary care trusts and general practices on AF in primary care. The second phase of national priority projects is now underway.