HC Deb 31 July 1964 vol 699 cc469-70W
Dr. A. Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the annual cost of screening all women in Scotland over the age of 40 years once every five years for possible cancer of the cervix, based on the assumption of the Office of Health Economics that the cytological examination of a cervical smear would cost about 10s.

Mr. Noble

On the basis suggested by the hon. Member, the average annual cost would be about £117,000.

Dr. A. Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much he is planning to spend on publicity to persuade women in the relevant age groups to come forward for examination for possible cancer of the cervix.

Mr. Noble

Provision of adequate facilities for examination must precede general publicity. I am at present considering recommendations for the development of an exfoliative cytology service which I have just received from the Standing Cancer Committee of the Scottish Health Services Council.

Dr. A. Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the number of new cases of cancer of the cervix he would expect to be detected annually by a fully staffed and equipped service.

Mr. Noble

There is as yet insufficient experience to enable a reliable estimate to be formed of the number of cases that would be brought to light by a comprehensive service.