HC Deb 01 May 1964 vol 694 cc104-5W
Mrs. Hill

asked the Minister of Health if he will make a further statement on the arrangements for extending cytological facilities for the early detection of cancer of the cervix.

Mr. Braine

We accept that routine screening for cervical cancer should be available to all women at risk and Boards know that we regard this service as one which deserves special consideration. Arrangements to organise special courses in cytology at five centres to help in providing the trained staff needed are going well and full courses are expected to be in operation at each centre by this autumn. Where it is possible without delaying the preparations for the full courses, including the provision of additional or improved laboratory space, training on a smaller scale will be started earlier and some students are already in training at these centres as elsewhere.