Romseyredhead

Thursday, March 17, 2005

Alzheimer's Debate

Had been lucky enough to secure an adjournment debate on this subject and was expecting to face Stephen LAdyman who had been in the news over the weekend indicating that there would be a U turn on the decision to stop the prescribing of treatments for Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The Government whips were expecting Stephen Ladyman to answer so I was quite surprised to be facing John Hutton who nowadays is generally too senior to get lumbered with adjournment debates. Very odd and I can only guess at the reasons that Ladyman wasn't there.

I will try and remember to put a link to the Hansard for the debate but something very curious is going on. NICE were set up to make decisions that were independent of Govenment and they are now a very respected organisation. So, I am at a bit of a loss as to why a Government Minister would give the impression that he was going to make sure that unpopular guidance was overturned. Surely there can't be an election in the offing can there?