§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if the pilot tests for HPV testing(a) have started on schedule and (b) are taking place in the of originally announced locations; and when he expects the results to be published. [156745]
§ Yvette Cooper[holding answer 3 April 2001]: The human papilloma virus/liquid based cytology pilot started in March 2001, as planned. As previously announced, the three sites are Norfolk and Norwich North Bristol and Newcastle.
The evaluation is in two phases. In May 2002 the United Kingdom national screening committee (NSC) will report to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence on liquid based cytology. In March 2003, the NSC will consider the full evaluation of human papilloma virus testing and liquid based cytology in cervical screening before reporting to Ministers. Decisions about publication will be made at that stage.