I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 163 together.
These questions relate to matters which are now the subject of a Scoping Inquiry that I established on 8 May 2018.
The Terms of Reference of the Scoping Inquiry, which is being led by Dr Gabriel Scally, are very comprehensive and include the following in relation to laboratories contracted by CervicalCheck:
- examine the tendering, contracting, operation, conflict of interest arrangements, performance information and performance management, accreditation and quality assurance of contracted cytology laboratory services by CervicalCheck from initiation of the programme.
I believe it appropriate that an expert clinical inquiry examines these matters.