§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many women in Northern Ireland have died from cervical cancer in the last five years for which figures are available, expressed per thousand women.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe information for the last five years for which figures are available is as follows:—
Deaths from Cervical Cancer Year Total number of deaths Rate per 1,000 women 1982 48 0.06 1983 39 0.05 1984 30 0.04 1985 27 0.03 1986 31 0.04
§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what information he has as to the number of women in Northern Ireland who obtain a cervical smear test; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe number of women in Northern Ireland who obtain a cervical smear test is not available. A central computerised call and recall system will be introduced next year to ensure that all women aged 20–65 will be called for screening at five-yearly intervals. Once this system is operational it will be possible to determine with accuracy the number of women having cervical smear tests. Laboratory facilities are also being expanded and decentralised to meet the demands which it is anticipated will be generated by the computerised call and recall system.