§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the use of hydrolysed DNA assay testing for the early detection of cervical cancer in tandem with the present smear test. [61530]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Department is aware of a number of new technologies being developed which might be used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the National Health Service cervical screening programme. Any changes to the programme will be introduced only after assessments have proven they are both clinically and cost-effective. The Advisory Committee on Cervical Screening is currently considering the potential role of new technologies in the cervical screening programme.