§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether doctors prescribing contraceptive pills to females below the age of 16 years recommend smear tests; which doctors carry out smear tests; and if parents are informed of any subsequent treatment given to a female under 16 years in these circumstances following a positive result.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe need for cervical smears for a girl under 16 is a matter for the doctor's clinical judgment. Cervical smears are carried out by doctors in general practice in hospitals and at family planning and other specialist clinics. Any subsequent action, including treatment, is also a matter for clinical judgment. I would hope that, other than in exceptional cases, the parents of girls under 16 would be involved in decisions on contraceptive advice and on any subsequent investigation or treatment.