Answers issued to Members on 4 October 2007
[R] signifies that the Member has declared an interest.
[W] signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.
Contents
Questions to the Minister for Health and Social Services
Questions to the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing
Questions to the Minister for Health and Social Services
Nicholas Bourne (Mid and West Wales): What is the Minister doing to improve cancer screening services in Wales? (WAQ50424)
The Minister for Health and Social Services (Edwina Hart): Wales already has excellent well established screening services for breast and cervical cancers. Our latest improvement is the introduction of a new screening programme for bowel cancer, which is due to roll out towards the end of 2008.
All screening involves potential benefit and harm. The aim is always to maximise the former whilst minimising the latter. That is why all four UK Health Administrations are advised by the UK National Screening Committee, whose responsibility it is to assess all present and proposed screening programmes against the available evidence and published standards. I am committed to improving the prognosis and survival of all cancer patients and will continue to consider continuing, expanding or introducing population screening programmes for the early detection of cancer, where these are appropriate and evidence-based.
Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire): Will the Minister make a statement on Chiropody Services in Wales? (WAQ50425)
Edwina Hart: The provision of chiropody services is the responsibility of Local Health Boards (LHBs).
Podiatrists have an important role to play in the provision and modernisation of healthcare in Wales and podiatrists in Wales have been actively involved in the development of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Therapy Strategy.
Questions to the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing
Mick Bates (Montgomeryshire): What is the Welsh Assembly Government’s timetable on applying for devolution of building regulations in Wales? (WAQ50415)
The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing (Jane Davidson): The Cabinet will shortly consider further advice on the transfer of Building Regulation powers informed by discussions with CLG officials which have been taking place since Cabinet last considered the issue.
As far as a time table for transfer is concerned this depends on reaching inter-governmental agreement and the available mechanisms and opportunities once that agreement has been reached. At this point I cannot be more specific, however the combination of the commitment in 'One Wales’ and the aspiration for zero carbon in new buildings by 2011 means we will be looking to take the earliest opportunity.