§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is satisfied with the number of women coming forward for cervical cytology tests; and whether she will consider more publicity and other ways in which more may be encouraged to respond.
§ Dr. OwenI am encouraged by the steady increase in the number of tests from 229,000 in 1964 to 2,300,000 in 1973. The Committee on Gynaecological Cytology, a group of medical experts in this field, keeps the position under regular review. Now guidance is under consideration on ways to encourage those women who are most at risk, and the Health Education Council co-operates closely with health authorities and voluntary bodies in educating women about the need for screening.