§ Mr. Dewarasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the percentage of women aged over 35 and under 35 years, respectively, who have been tested for cervical cancer in each Scottish health board area in the latest year for which figures are available; and in what percentage of cases in each area the test proved positive.
§ Mr. YoungerThe information is not available in the form requested. However, in 1983 a total of 315,044 smears for cervical cancer were examined by NHS laboratories in Scotland which represented approximately 16 per cent. of women aged 20 and over. An estimated 31 per cent. of women aged 20–34 and 10 per cent. of women aged 35 and over were tested. Of the smears examined, 1,694 or 0.54 per cent. proved positive.
§ Mr. Dewarasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the present arrangements for notifying women in Scotland of the results of smear tests for cervical cancer; and what advice he has given to health boards on this matter.
§ Mr. YoungerA report by a working group on cervical cytology services in Scotland, which the Scottish Home and Health Department drew to the attention of health boards on 1 December 1978, specifically advised on the action to be taken on positive, atypical and negative smear test results. The report emphasised that clearly defined procedures should be established to ensure that the appropriate follow up is initiated and co-ordinated. It is for health boards to determine how this advice is implemented in operating the cervical cytology service.