HC Deb 02 December 1991 vol 200 cc63-4W
Sir John Stanley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cervical smears were taken under the NHS in 1978 and in the latest year for which figures are available; what is the level of NHS cervical smear facilities for women currently; and what was the level in 1978.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The number of cervical smears taken in England under the NHS were:

million
1978 2.470
11989–90 4.743
1 The latest year for which data are available.

GPs, practice nurses, hospitals and clinics take cervical smears as part of the normal provision of health care, both under the NHS cervical screening programme and for clinical purposes. No separate facilities are required.