§ Ms HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the Berkshire family health services authority with respect to the provision of NHS and private cervical smear tests by the Boundary House GP practice in Bracknell, Berkshire; what is his Department's policy on GPs advocating private cervical smear tests which can be provided more frequently than NHS cervical smear tests; and if he will make a statement. [93]
§ Mr. SackvilleNone. Guidelines issued by the Department of Health say that women aged between 20 and 64 years should be invited for cervical screening at least every five years. Berkshire health commission is complying fully with these guidelines by ensuring the Boundary House GP practice provides cervical screening on a five-yearly basis. Where women request more frequent screening, GPs will provide information on where this is available.