§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what further plans he has to publicise the need for cancer screening; what funds are currently available for this purpose; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurriePersonal invitations sent to women due for screening, followed by reminders both to women who do not respond and to their GPs, are the most effective single way of publicising cancer screening to those who need it. Health education activity in support of the cervical and breast cancer screening programmes will be carried out by the Health Education Authority within its overall budget next year of over £10 million. The HEA among others will be publicising the European code against cancer—which recommends regular cervical smears and, for women over 50, mammography—during EC Cancer Week from 1–7 May 1988 and EC Cancer Year in 1989. Publicity on cancer screening is also given by the Women's national cancer control campaign, which receives an annual grant of £84,500 from the Department.
§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list those district health authorities which have set up a computerised call and recall system for cervical cancer and those which have not; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Peckham (Ms. Harman) on 10 March at column344.