§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on facilities provided for the screening of cervical cancer in the Province; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeedhamUntil recently all cervical screening smears were tested at three laboratories in Northern Ireland, two in the eastern health and social services board area and one in the western board area. A new laboratory opened in the northern board area in February. Additional laboratory accommodation is planned for the southern board next year and arrangements are also being made for extra smears to be processed in the western board area.
The resources needed for staff and equipment have been provided and a computerised call and recall system is being developed to ensure that all women aged 20–65 will be called for screening at five-yearly intervals. The Government's aim is to have in place by 1988 a comprehensive cervical screening service which meets the need of all women in Northern Ireland.