§ Mrs. CaltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to set up an aneurysm screening programme that avoids the need for those with abdominal aortic aneurysm to wait for action that may result from consideration by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. [119774]
§ Mr. HuttonThe United Kingdom national screening committee (NSC) makes recommendations to Ministers on all aspects of screening programmes. It is currently considering the resource costs and workforce implications of implementing a screening programme following the publication of a multi-centre study funded by the Medical Research Council last year. Until these recommendations are received, screening should not be started. There are no plans at present to refer this topic to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.