§ Mr. Nicholas Brownasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many deaths there have been from cancer of the cervix in the northern region in the past two years.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe numbers of deaths from malignant neoplasm of cervix uteri (ICD (9th rev) 180) in the northern region in 1983 and 1984 were 155 and 134, respectively.
§ Mr. Nicholas Brownasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to eradicate inequalities in provision between different health authorities for smear testing and treatment for cervical cancer.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe are distributing extra resources to the National Health Service in a way which is steadily achieving a fairer distribution between different regions of the country. The aim of our policy for allocating resources between authorities is to promote more equal access to health care for those with equal needs. Within the framework of national policy the level of provision of specific services to be provided out of these resources is mainly for district health authorities to decide, taking account of local needs and priorities.