§ Ms. HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether all district health authorities are still expected to meet the target of 31 March 1988 for the introduction of cervical cancer screening; and whether this screening will cover all women at risk.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe team led by Sir Roy Griffiths is monitoring progress and present indications are that all district health authorities should meet the target date for the introduction of computerised call and recall systems for cervical cancer screening.
All women aged 20–64 will be invited for screening within five years of implementation of the system, unless their general practitioners have indicated that they should be excluded.
Revised guidance to health authorities and family practitioner committees on the organisation of cervical cancer screening services has been issued today and copies placed in the Library.