HC Deb 03 December 2002 vol 395 cc755-6W
Dr. Fox

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to introduce colorectal cancer screening. [84031]

Ms Blears

In a speech to the Britain Against Cancer Conference on 5 November 2002, my right hon. Friend, The Secretary of State for Health reaffirmed his commitment to introduce a national screening programme for colorectal cancer and to improve services for symptomatic patients. It will take several years to do this. The national cancer director will be working with all the relevant experts to determine the best way forward, and specifically to consider workforce, capacity and skills requirements for both screening and symptomatic services.