§ 44. Mr. Moonmanasked the Minister of Health what was the total amount spent in 1965 by the regional hospital management committees on publicising smear tests for cancer.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonNothing, Sir. Once a routine screening service for cervical cancer is available locally, I would expect it to be brought to the notice of the women concerned by the local health authorities and general practitioners, either by general publicity or by personal approach.
§ Mr. MoonmanIs the Minister aware that his reply will cause some dismay among large sections of the public in that it merely suggests a mild demonstration of Government interest in the matter? Would he also be prepared to consider the setting up of a national company on the matter, taking responsibility away from local authorities?
§ Mr. RobinsonNo, Sir. I do not for one moment accept the inference drawn by my hon. Friend from the reply. The fact is that wide publicity has already been given in the Press and through women's organisations to the value of cervical smears as a means of detecting cervical cancer. It is a matter for local authorities and general practitioners rather than for regional hospital boards.
§ Dr. SummerskillWould not the Minister agree that the reason why there is not increased publicity on this matter by general practitioners and local authorities is that the demand would increase to such an extent that the facilities would not be adequate to meet it?
§ Mr. RobinsonThis is perhaps one reason for not having greater publicity in some areas at present. Publicity to bring women forward to take these tests ought, as far as possible, to go hand in hand with the development of facilities for examination of smears.
§ Mrs. Anne KerrWould not my right hon. Friend agree that at the very least Members of Parliament who have been pressing for these facilities shall be informed when they are brought into practice?
§ Mr. RobinsonI am always ready to answer Questions from individual Members about their constituencies.