HC Deb 23 October 1967 vol 751 cc346-7W
Mr. Ryan

asked the Minister of Health what facilities exist in Hillingdon borough for regular cervical cancer tests; and how this provision compares with the position in 1964.

Mr. Snow

Facilities for regular cervical cancer screening, apart from tests undertaken at hospital gynaecological clinics, are provided for the London Borough of Hillingdon at hospital ante and post-natal clinics, the Local Health Authority clinics, the Family Planning Clinic and through the General Practitioners. The waiting time for smears to be taken at Local Health Authority clinics is about two weeks. In June 1967 the hospital laboratories serving the area were examining cervical cytology smears from all clinics at an annual rate of about 19,000 i.e. over three times the rate in 1964.

Mrs. Joyce Butler

asked the Minister of Health if he will reconsider the present lower age limit of 35 for women having cervical smear tests; when he is reimbursing general practitioners for these tests; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. K. Robinson

I am at present considering whether the cervical cytology service should be extended to women under the age of 35. The payment to general practitioners of a fee for taking smears from such women is dependent on the outcome of this consideration.