§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has for introducing human papilloma virus testing for screening against cervical cancer; and if he will make a statement. [155418]
§ Angela SmithThe UK National Screening Committee (NSC) commissioned a pilot scheme to examine the role of human papilloma virus testing in cervical screening. The pilot ran for two years and an evaluation report to the NSC is expected in the near future. I will await the advice and recommendations of the NSC before making any decision about this matter.
§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the liquid-based cytology cervical screening technique will be introduced within the NHS in Northern Ireland at the same time as in the rest of the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [156020]
§ Angela SmithThe other home countries are now in the process of rolling out the liquid based cytology technique. This is expected to take up to five years to complete. My Department has set up a regional group to advise, as soon as possible, on the introduction of this technology to N. Ireland. On receipt of the advice of this group the Department will be in a position to consider how best to take this forward and will seek then to identify funding. Roll-out here should be well within five years.