Lung Cancer Screening

Debate between Nick Smith and Steve Barclay

Monday 26th June 2023 Commons Chamber

[Steve Barclay]

My hon. and learned Friend is absolutely right. A key feature of the programme is the use of screening trucks to offer checks within the community. When I was talking to patients this morning, a theme that came through was that the prospect of going to hospital for such a check would have been seen as a more daunting experience. The fact that the check was available, using high-quality equipment, in a vehicle in a supermarket car park made it more accessible to people and, as a result, the uptake was higher than it might have been. He is absolutely right to highlight the proven importance of that in the pilot and that delivering checks through community schemes increases participation; that is a key feature of the programme.

[Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab)]

Will the Secretary of State ask the Treasury if the tobacco companies can stump up for the delivery of the programme?

[Steve Barclay]

All Health Secretaries have regular conversations with the Treasury in terms of wider financing. The departmental budget for Health and Social Care is over £180 billion, which is already a significant investment. Through the long-term plan, we have significantly increased our budget and there are many calls on that, including, as we heard from the Opposition Front Bench, in terms of junior doctors’ pay and other issues. Of course these things need to be looked at in the round, but I am always keen to discuss with Treasury colleagues what more can be done.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Nick Smith and Steve Barclay

Tuesday 27th April 2021 Commons Chamber

[Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab)]

How his Department determined the criteria for assessing bids to the levelling-up fund; and if he will make a statement.

[The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Steve Barclay)]

The £4.8 billion levelling-up fund will invest in local infrastructure that has a visible impact on communities across the United Kingdom. It has been jointly designed by the Treasury, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Transport.

[Nick Smith]

Having waited so long, I really hope that the levelling-up fund will boost infrastructure in south Wales. I have already written to the Chancellor about the improvements that are needed for the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff line, to help young people especially to get to work, so can the Minister assure me that this investment will finally be seen through?

[Steve Barclay]

I share the hon. Gentleman’s desire to boost infrastructure in south Wales, and he is quite right to focus on young people getting to work, given how impacted they have been by the pandemic. He knows that his area in particular has received additional funding for capacity, and this will enable it to bid for the levelling-up fund to address the issues that he highlights.