§ 53. Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Minister of Health when he expects to send a circular to local authorities in regard to the establishment of cervical cancer screening clinics.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonMany local health authorities have already started a screening service in areas where the hospital laboratory can support routine screening for cervical cancer. I am considering the issue of a general circular of guidance.
§ Mrs. ButlerAs a number of local authorities are awaiting some guidance from the Minister on this, would he consider sending out the circular very soon? It is a matter of great concern to women throughout the country that this service should be started in their areas as soon as possible.
§ Mr. RobinsonI will certainly consider what my hon. Friend has said. Perhaps I should tell her that 78 local health authorities have so far taken powers under Section 28 of the 1946 National Health Service Act to participate in smear taking.