HC Deb 08 February 1965 vol 706 cc1-2W
29. Mr. McBride

asked the Minister of Health if he will establish a cancer-test clinic for women in the Swansea area.

Mr. K. Robinson

There is already a service in this area which tests about 120 women per month. Additional staff and laboratory space will be needed before the service can be extended to provide routine screening for cervical cancer.

32. Mr. Paul Dean

asked the Minister of Health what progress is being made in extending the facilities for screening for cervical cancer; and when he expects these facilities to be available for all women who wish to make use of them.

Mr. K. Robinson

Boards are planning the extension of the laboratory facilities needed and arranging for staff to be trained. It will be possible for routine screening for cervical cancer to start in some areas this year, but I cannot yet say when it will be available throughout the country.

47. Mr. Lubbock

asked the Minister of Health what research is being sponsored on the use of electronic scanning techniques in the screening of microscope slides for the detection of cervical cancer.

Mr. K. Robinson

I am considering, in consultation with the Medical Research Council, whether there is a case for sponsoring research into this subject.