§ Mr. Pawsey asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, further to his reply to the hon. Member for Rugby dated 30 July, why the latest available figure for the incidence of cervical cancer is that for 1976; and if he will take steps to ensure that more up-to-date information is available for the years 1976 to 1980.
271W§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg:Information on the incidence of cancer is obtained from the national cancer registration scheme, which relies on data submitted by regional cancer registries to the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys. One of the conclusions of a recent report on the operation of the scheme by the advisory committee on cancer registration is that information must be produced more frequently and quickly if the incidence of cancer is to be effectively monitored. As was said in a foreword to the report, we are anxious to see the scheme improved, and while there is no possibility of additional central funds being made available I am exploring with the Registrar General ways in which improvements might be introduced.