§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what guidance he has issued to health and social services boards to ensure that the current backlog of cervical cancer tests is cleared; whether he intends to issue to boards in Northern Ireland DHSS Health Circular HC (88)I on health services management of cervical cancer screening; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe Department of Health and Social Services is in regular contact with the health and social services boards over ways of increasing the rate of processing cervical smear tests. The backlog of tests has been reduced by 30 per cent. over the past two months. A Northern Ireland circular comparable to HC (88)I is being prepared and will be issued shortly.