§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the taking of a cervical smear by a general practitioner is available to women over 35 years of age under the National Health Service but not to women under 35 years of age.
§ Mr. CrossmanPriority has been given to women of 35 years and over because it is known that the yield of prevention is greatest in this age group; and I welcome the help of general practitioners, who are best placed to reach these women, in persuading them to be tested. It is open to a general practitioner to take a test on a woman below the age 137W of 35 if he considers that it is in her interest to do so.