§ Mr. Harveyasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether levels for cancer and leukaemia along the coast of north Wales are higher than elsewhere in the Principality.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsIn the 1974–78 quinquennial report of the Wales cancer registry it was noted that both Clwyd and Gwynedd had elevated rates of registrations for all cancers combined when compared with other areas in Wales. This result remained when allowance was made for the differing age and sex structures of the areas concerned. Initial work on the quinquennial report covering the years 1979–1983 indicated that this differential persisted. However, in view of the registry's concern about the validity of the cancer registrations of residents of both Clwyd and Gwnedd a validation exercise has been initiated in recent months. This work requires the comparison of computer-listed entries against individual case notes, which necessitates the prior consent of the consultant involved in each case. Completion of this detailed analysis will take several more months. I shall write to my hon. Friend when the results are available.