§ Mr. Silvesterasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what response he has had to the consultative paper on the cervical cytology recall scheme; and what action he intends to take.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe consultative paper proposed changes in arrangements for recalling women for cervical cytology testing. Replies showed general support for the view that the recall scheme based on the National Health Service central register is ineffective and should be replaced by local schemes. We have therefore decided that, although the central register should continue until 31 December 1982 to recall women whose records it already holds, arrangements based on it should be replaced by local ones. This will not of course affect the local recall schemes which already exist.
Accordingly we have today issued guidance to area health authorities asking them, in conjunction with family practitioner committees, to make arrangements for appropriate local schemes by 1 April 1983. The aim is to ensure that women who have been screened, and would in due course have been recalled through the central register, are recalled through local schemes at the appropriate time.
A copy of the guidance circular (HC(81)14) is being placed in the Library of the House.