§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to identify barriers to the use of cervical screening services by women living in areas of social deprivation. [37685]
§ Mr. BoatengWe are determined to tackle health inequalities in the National Health Service. There is some evidence to suggest that take-up of screening invitations is lower among women living in inner city areas than in the population as a whole. In the light of this, the NHS Cervical Screening Programme is commissioning research to assess the factors that influence the uptake of cervical screening among women living in areas of social deprivation and suggest what additional action can be taken to encourage more women in these areas to come forward for screening.