Written question asked by Huw Edwards (Labour) on Thursday, 10 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 23 March 2005. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 March 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the recommendation by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence that Reminyl, Aricept and Exelon should not be provided free on the NHS to patients with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Answer: Mr. Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the recommendation by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence that Reminyl, Aricept and Exelon should not be provided free on the NHS to patients with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. [221757] Ms Rosie Winterton: The Department has responded to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's (NICE'S) consultation on its draft appraisal of drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease; a copy of which is available in the Library. NICE will be issuing a final version of this new guidance later in the year, after considering responses to its consultation. Until then, its original 2001 appraisal continues to apply.

Secondary information