§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will take steps to ensure that information on the interval between cervical cytology tests and their results being made known is available centrally; and if he will seek to obtain the necessary statistical information to ascertain the number of deaths likely to occur as a result of each week's delay in the test result being made known;
(2) if he will take steps to reduce the time between cervical cytology tests being made and their results being made known; and how quickly National Health Service laboratories aim to communicate the results of such tests.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeNo. I have no evidence to sugge t that the interval between the taking of cervical smears and the results becoming available is adversely affecting the cervical cancer screening programme. However, as the responsibility for cervical screening rests with health authorities, if the hon. Member is concerned about the situation in a particular area he should take it up with the appropriate authority.
§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will take steps to enable women to have cervical cytology tests under the National Health Service whenever they so request;
(2) at what intervals the Government propose the provision of cervical cytology tests for older women; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Crewe and Nantwich (Mrs. Dunwoody) on 31 October 1983. — [Vol. 47, c.293–94.]