§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to implement hydrolysised DNA assay testing for cervical cancer screening; and if he will make a statement;[125965]
(2) what advice he has received from the Advisory Committee on Cervical Cancer Screening on the effectiveness of hydrolysised DNA assay testing.[125966]
§ Yvette Cooper[holding answer 14 June 2000]: The Advisory Committee on Cervical Screening (ACCS) discussed the hydrolysised DNA assay (HDA) test developed by Dr. Andrew Sincock of King's College, and funded by Quest Cancer Research, at its meeting on 26 May 2000. Three members of the committee agreed to view a demonstration of the test at King's College, with a view to reporting back to the committee when it next meets. The Chairman of the ACCS will shortly be writing to Quest to make the appropriate arrangements.
We welcome any new technology that would improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the cervical screening programme. However, before any technology is introduced we must be sure that it is safe and effective, and that quality standards can be maintained.
By establishing the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), we have taken responsibility for helping to clarify, both for patients and professionals, which technologies are clinically and cost effective. If a technology is likely to have a significant impact on patient care or National Health Service resources, Ministers may refer the technology to NICE after consultation with leading professionals.