§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of health authorities is failing to comply with Government cervical cytology screening guidelines; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanWe issued guidelines covering many aspects of cervical cancer screening to health authorities in January 1988. All health authorities have now implemented computerised call and recall systems. Approximately 25 per cent. of health authorities are currently not meeting the Government's target of reporting the result of a smear within one month to the doctor who submitted it. Health authorities' performance is monitored and those not meeting this target are asked to explain what remedial action they are taking.