§ 19. Mrs. Knightasked the Secretary of State for the Social Services whether he will extend the provision of cervical cancer smear tests for women under 35 years of age.
§ Mr. EnnalsNot at present, though we are keeping this matter under review.
§ Mrs. KnightSince in reply to questions on 15th November the Minister made it plain that it was neither a ques- 1032 tion of cost nor of pressure on the service for the women over 39, will he not now reconsider the matter, bearing in mind that it is the women between 29 and 39 who have had children who are supposed to be at greatest risk?
§ Mr. EnnalsFrom the figures we have at present, it looks as though about £1½ million women will be tested during the current year. This will be a considerable increase, and many of them are women of 35 and less. But there is a regrettable reluctance on the part of too many older women to come forward for testing. Lives are at stake here. We must give priority to the over-35s, who are so much more at risk than those under 35.