§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has conducted any studies to establish why cervical cancer incidence was some 11 per cent. higher in Wales than in the United Kingdom as a whole between 1979 and 1983; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonWhilst in Wales the incidence of cervical cancer was recorded as being higher than the United Kingdom as a whole between 1979 and 1983, in the same period comparable English standard regions such as the northern region, Yorkshire and Humberside and the north-west recorded a higher rate. Although there are no plans for a special Welsh study, account is taken of the ongoing research into this form of cancer.
§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he has taken to facilitate a decline in the incidence of cervical cancer in Wales; and how much he estimates will need to be spent by his Department to implement the recommendations of his Department's working party in this matter.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonWe are taking steps to reduce the incidence of death from this disease through screening women in the groups at risk. Early detection is important as the disease is amenable to treatment if diagnosed in the early stages. The joint NHS/Welsh Office working party reported last August and recommended ways in which the administration of this service could be improved. The screening service is managed on a district basis and its funding is the responsibility of the health authority concerned. The Welsh Office is funding the provision of computers for all the family practitioner committees in Wales and this will facilitate the administration of the scheme. It is anticipated that all FPC computers will be operational by the autumn. £400,000 is being earmarked for 1986–87 for centrally funding development of cancer screening services.
248WThe Department is separately considering a bid by South Glamorgan health authority for the allocation of centrally funded development money to improve training facilities for medical laboratory staff, which could benefit the whole of Wales.