§ Miss Richardsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what cancer screening facilities for women are provided by the Barking and Havering area health authority; how many women in the area have received a smear test during the last 12 months; and whether he is satisfied that the provision is adequate.
§ Sir George YoungInformation on cancer screening facilities is not available centrally, but the hon. Member may like to seek it from the health authority. The latest available information on cervical smears is for 1979 when 18,487 smears were carried out in Barking and Havering area health authority.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recommendations he has received from the Committee on Gynaecological Cytology 471W concerning the age at which screening for cervical cancer should take place; what action he intends to take; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanI have received the recommendations of the committee in relation to age and frequency of screening. I intend to publish these shortly, and to seek the views of interested bodies.