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Breast Cancer Services
Mrs. Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how he monitors the effectiveness of the breast cancer screening programme in Wales. [16626]
Mr. Richards: The NHS breast screening programme, carried out in Wales by Breast Test Wales, is part of a 10-year UK evaluation to determine the contribution of screening in reducing the mortality rate from breast cancer. It commenced in 1989 and is scheduled for completion in 1999. Evaluation of its success is a continuous process monitored by the UK co-ordinating office with contributions from Breast Test Wales. Additionally, breast Test Wales activities are the subject of annual review by the Department.
Neath Hospital (Obstetrics Service)
Mr. Hain: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what remaining obstacles exist to agreeing the proposal by West Glamorgan health authority to retain a full on-site consultant-led obstetrics service at Neath hospital and its planned successor. [16333]
Mr. Richards: There are a number of issues relating mainly to clinical safety that are being addressed by the chairman designate of the Morgannwg health authority and his team.
They have been asked to come forward in early March with firm proposals for the provision of maternity services.
26 Feb 1996 : Column: 383
Mr. Wigley:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what considerations led him to require a charge to be paid by business people using the business contact service; what plans he has for introducing a freephone service for business people in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [15881]
Mr. Hague:
Quality of service, cost-effectiveness and ease of access to the local network of business information and advisory services were the main considerations behind the decision to adopt the 0345 local call rate system for business connect. This all-Wales service was launched in January and its operation will be kept under review.
Mr. Morgan:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the chairman of the Wales region of the National Rivers Authority and Welsh Water-Dwr Cymru as regards the authority's warning on reservoir levels in north Wales, and if he will make a statement. [17080]
Mr. Hague:
None. Throughout the past 12 months, both Dwr Cymru and the National Rivers Authority--Welsh region have kept my officials fully informed of reservoir levels throughout Wales and the remedial measures required to safeguard water supplies.
Mr. Morgan:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the impact of his proposed departmental staff reductions on the auditing of expenditure of grant-maintained schools. [17082]
Mr. Hague:
The Welsh Office does not undertake the external audit of grant-maintained schools. It is the responsibility of the governing body of each grant-maintained school to ensure that its accounts are audited annually by external auditors appointed under arrangements laid down by the Secretary of State.
Mr. Morgan:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what assessment he has made of the impact of the proposed staff reductions on the target times for processing (i) agricultural grant applications, (ii) industrial assistance grants made the Industry Act 1972, (iii) export advice and (iv) miscellaneous inquiries; [17081]
Mr. Hague:
The running cost reductions in the Welsh Office, which are broadly in line with most other Departments, reflect the Government's firm commitment to control public expenditure.
My Department is currently working through the full implications of the planned staffing reductions, with a view to ensuring that it will continue to provide high quality services at minimum cost to the taxpayer.
26 Feb 1996 : Column: 384
Mr. Tom Clarke:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what expenditure has been incurred by health authorities in Wales for the purchase of electrically powered indoor wheelchairs in each of the last three years; [17013]
(3) what is the most recent figure available for the cost of providing an individual with an electrically powered indoor wheelchair. [17190]
Mr. Richards:
Responsibility for the supply of electrically powered indoor wheelchairs in Wales rests with the artificial limb and appliance service, which is managed by the Welsh health common services authority under its chief executive Nigel Kirk. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
Mr. Clarke:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what is the most recent figure available for the cost of providing an individual with an electrically powered indoor/outdoor wheelchair; [17000]
(3) what expenditure has been incurred by health authorities in Wales for the purchase of electrically powered indoor/outdoor wheelchairs in each of the last three years. [17187]
Mr. Richards:
The provision of indoor/outdoor powered wheelchairs in Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security.
Mr. Win Griffiths:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many grant-maintained (a) primary and (b) secondary schools fall into each of the school teachers' pay and conditions document school groups; and, in each case, how many head teachers' salaries fall into each pay spine point on the scale in the last year for which figures are available. [17345]
Mr. Richards:
The table shows the head teachers of grant-maintained schools in England and Wales identified in the Teacher's Pensions Agency database of teachers' records on a spine point of at least the minimum for the appropriate school group. Separate figures for primary and secondary schools and for Wales are not shown because detailed information for such a small number of individuals within certain school groups could disclose individual head teachers's salary details.
(2) what assessment he has made of the impact of his proposed departmental staff reductions on the processing of complaints by (a) members of the public and (b) hon. Members of Parliament in terms of target times for responses. [17079]
(2) how many people have been provided with electrically powered indoor wheelchairs by health authorities in each of the last three years; [17193]
(2) how many people have been provided with electrically powered indoor/outdoor wheelchairs by health authorities in each of the last three years; [17011]
26 Feb 1996 : Column: 385
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