§ Mrs. Ann TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what estimates he has made of the financial impact on the health service of the increasing number of skin cancers and cataracts:
378W
Receipts from disposal of national health service land and buildings £ million1 Region 1979–80 1980–81 1981–82 1982–83 1983–84 1984–85 1985–86 1986–87 1987–88 1988–89 1989–90 21990–91 Northern 0.2 0.1 0.8 0.4 0.9 1.4 1.4 6.2 3.6 4.4 3.7 2.7 Yorkshire 0.8 0.7 1.0 1.8 0.8 0.8 1.3 4.1 5.3 9.8 11.5 5.0 Trent 0.5 1.6 1.7 1.6 2.3 3.9 4.7 6.2 7.6 13.8 18.2 25.6 East Anglian 0.3 0.2 0.4 0.7 0.9 8.1 3.4 3.7 3.6 10.4 4.5 1.3 North West Thames 1.2 1.3 4.4 2.7 6.1 6.7 5.5 21.2 49.4 43.7 45.2 17.2 North East Thames 1.8 1.4 1.0 1.1 3.8 2.7 6.2 13.0 28.2 51.4 22.0 14.0 South East Thames 0.3 0.8 1.2 2.2 1.6 2.5 9.2 19.4 24.9 30.3 21.0 7.6 (2) what provisions he has made to deal with an increase in the number of people with skin cancer and cataracts; and whether he has any plans for public awareness or screening campaigns.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyNo specific assessment has been made of the financial impact of increasing numbers of skin cancers and cataracts. Since they currently account for a very small proportion of total NHS expenditure it is unlikely that even a considerable increase in numbers would impose a critical burden on the health service.
The Health Education Authority is committed to the 10-point European code against cancer which advises against excessive exposure to the sun. The HEA has also organised public awareness campaigns and produces leaflets both specifically on dangers from exposure to the sun and generally on how to avoid cancer.
Population screening for skin cancers is not regarded as cost effective even in countries such as Australia with a very high incidence of skin cancer.