Screening bid fails

A HUNTINGDONSHIRE MP s Private Member s Bill, aimed at improving the prospects of early detection of breast cancer, fell at the first hurdle on Friday. Government health Ministers talked out the measure proposed by North West Cambridgeshire MP Shailesh

A HUNTINGDONSHIRE MP's Private Member's Bill, aimed at improving the prospects of early detection of breast cancer, fell at the first hurdle on Friday.

Government health Ministers "talked out" the measure proposed by North West Cambridgeshire MP Shailesh Vara, which would have extended routine screening from the present 50-70 age group to 45-75.

The Government refused to support the Bill and blocked it, with Rosie Winterton, the Minister of State for health services, still on her feet at the time the debate was due to end.

Technically, the Bill is due to be debated again on March 3. However, the Government's opposition means that will not happen.

Mr Vara said: "My Bill was about saving lives.