King accused of leaning on cervical screening inquiry team

12:00 PM

Health Minister Annette King is being accused of leaning on the cervical screening inquiry team.

The inquiry team is considering going to the High Court to release the names of women from four regions who have developed cervical cancer, to establish whether there has been systemic under-reporting.

It has emerged that Annette King wrote to inquiry chair Ailsa Duffy QC, telling her court action is unnecessary.

She also raised concerns about the cost of any court action.

National's health spokesman, Wyatt Creech, says the minister has overstepped the mark.

He says the cost of any court action can never be too great, when it involves people's lives.

- IRN


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