HC Deb 16 March 1988 vol 129 cc612-3W
Mr. Boyes

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average length of time between screen testing and the attainment of test results relating to cervical cancer in(a) the Northern regional health authority and (b) Sunderland district health authority.

Mrs. Currie

This information is not available centrally. The hon. Member may therefore wish to contact the chairman of the Northern regional health authority for the information he requires.

In the recently issued Health Circular HC(88) on 12 January, we asked health authorities to ensure that laboratories report the results of smear test within one month. Health authorities not meeting this target are asked to explain what action they are taking to remedy the situation.

Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what new cervical cancer smear tests have been tried by his Department; and how these compare with the effectiveness of the present test systems.

Mrs. Currie

[holding answer 14 March 1988]: The Department keeps under review all scientific and technological developments that might improve the effectiveness of cervical cancer screening. Its procurement directorate recognises the importance of finding a practical system that will improve routine laboratory examination of cervical smears. Applications for research funding that are endorsed by independent referees as having scientific merit are giving high priority in the competition for funds. The active involvement of British industry is sought to ensure that any potentially successful system can be made commercially available and brought into NHS use as rapidly as possible.

The Government have contributed towards the cost of developing and evaluating several automated systems for cervical cancer screening. In recent months a number of applications have been received by the Department for funds to support other possible developments. These applications were reviewed on 26 February by an expert panel chaired by the Department's chief scientist, Professor O'Grady, and are now receiving final consideration in the light of the panel's views.