§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the number, and proportion, of health authorities which operate a call and recall system for cervical cytology; and whether he has received any representations advocating the national implementation of such a system.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe do not keep information centrally on call and recall systems. We have asked health authorities to recall at five-yearly intervals women over the age of 35 who have at some time presented for a smear test and women who have had three or more pregnancies. We have had some representations suggesting that local systems which call women for a smear test might be more effective. Health authorities may introduce such a system if they decide that it is a local priority and they have the necessary resources. Our Department is currently funding research into the effectiveness of a local call system.