§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his further plans for the screening of women for cervical cancer in Wales.
§ Mr. GristMy right hon. Friend and I continue to regard the development of cervical screening services as a priority. All district health authorities in Wales now have computerised screening programmes in place for women aged 20–64 years. Since 1986–87 the Welsh Office has allocated some £1.3 million of recurring central funds to health authorities to help them extend and improve their screening services. Officials of the Welsh Office will continue to keep in close touch with progress and a multi-disciplinary working group is to be formed which will produce further guidance on an all-Wales basis concerning the management and quality assurance of the programme.