HC Deb 26 January 2001 vol 361 cc750-1W
Dr. Gibson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when the pilot studies for HPV testing will commence; [146445]

(2) what total resource allocation he has made of pilot studies on HPV testing; what the resource allocations are for each HPV pilot test project; and if he will break down the allocation to each HPV pilot test project. [146446]

Yvette Cooper

The three sites of the pilot for human papilloma virus testing and liquid based cytology should begin testing in March 2001. Preparatory work has been under way since October 2000.

We have allocated a total of £650,000 to the pilot preparations in 2000–01 and a further allocation to support the project will be made in 2001–02. This will fund service costs, central purchase of equipment for use by the sites, project management and training for laboratory staff. Decisions will be taken shortly on the allocations to each site for the duration of the project.