§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether there are any plans to increase the number of laboratory technicians dealing with cervical cytology tests nationally or in specific areas like Waltham Forest where difficulties are occurring.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThis is not the direct responsibility of Ministers and our Department. The numbers of laboratory staff dealing with cervical cytology tests is a matter for individual health authorities to determine. I understand that Waltham Forest health authority is taking steps to overcome the problems they experienced in processing routine cervical smears.
§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether there are any plans or additional finance to increase publicity for cervical cytology testing (a) in Waltham Forest and (b) nationally.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe have no plans to make additional finance available to increase publicity for 213W cervical cytology testing nationally and I understand that Waltham Forest health authority has no plans for a local campaign. For some years we have given financial support to the women's national cancer control campaign which produces publicity for cervical screening. In the current financial year we have given them an additional £18,500 to enable them to update their publicity material and to produce a film on cervical screening.