§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has made for the establishment and funding of a national sigmoidoscopy screening programme for bowel cancer.
§ Mr. SackvilleThere are no current plans to establish and fund a screening programme for bowel cancer.
§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence has been received by her Department of the effect on public health and economic benefits of a national sigmoidoscopy screening programme for bowel cancer.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe value of screening for colorectal or bowel cancer is uncertain. The Department is considering initiatives, including progress of a trial being undertaken at Nottingham on faecal occult blood testing; the potential for flexible sigmoidoscopy as compared to faecal occult blood testing; and other possible screening options.