HC Deb 26 January 1987 vol 109 cc71-2W
Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many women died of (a) breast cancer and (b) cervical cancer in each health authority area in Wales in 1986; and what are the corresponding figures for each year since 1979.

Mr. Mark Robinson

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to a question by the hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras (Mr. Dobson) in theOfficial Report on 14 January 1987 at columns 47–50.

Information for 1986 is not yet available.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will initiate a uniform national screening programme for the prevention of breast cancer for women aged over 50 years using oblique mammography; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he will make a statement on his Department's initiatives in promoting the early detection and prevention of (a) breast cancer and (b) cervical cancer; and what are the future plans in these spheres.

Mr. Mark Robinson

We have received the report of the United Kingdom expert working group on breast cancer screening and we shall make a statement as soon as possible on how we shall respond in Wales. During this financial year an additional £400,000 has been made available to district health authorities to strengthen the cervical cancer screening programme. Also, we have asked the Health Education Advisory Committee for Wales to advise on health education support for this programme. We expect to receive a reply shortly.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many specialist staff are employed by each of the district health authorities in Wales in the detection of (a) breast cancer and (b) cervical cancer.

Mr. Mark Robinson

This information is not available centrally.