§ Mr. AshbyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration he has given to the early introduction of cholesterol screening by general practitioners for those individuals judged to be most at risk; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke[holding answer 5 July 1990]: Opportunistic blood cholesterol testing is already undertaken by many general practitioners. The Standing Medical Advisory Committee has now reviewed the cost-effectiveness of various levels of opportunistic cholesterol testing, and their economic appraisals of these were based upon testing in general practice. I have today issued the committee's report for wide consultation.
§ Mr. AshbyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has received the Standing Medical Advisory Committee report on cholesterol screening.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke[holding answer 5 July 1990]: In July 1988 I asked the Standing Medical Advisory Committee to consider whether opportunistic cholesterol testing could make a cost-effective contribution towards identifying and treating people at increased risk of coronary heart disease. I have now received the committee's report and have thanked them for their work.
Copies of the report have been placed in the Library. The report sets out the results of a detailed study which the committee advises is full of scientific complexity. The report explains that opportunistic blood cholesterol testing can make a cost-effective contribution to coronary heart disease prevention in certain circumstances and sets out a number of possible options for consideration.
In those circumstances, I believe that all those with an interest in the prevention of coronary heart disease should now have the opportunity to consider the report's findings and let me have their comments on them. I am therefore today issuing the report for consultation.