§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of smear tests in England and Wales. resulted in women being recalled as a result of inadequate smears in(a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002; and if he will make a statement. [72500]
373W
§ Ms. Blears[holding answer 23 July 2002]: Three and a half million women aged 20–64 were tested for cervical cancer in 2000–01. 9.7 per cent. of smears were inadequate. Approximately 6.3 per cent. of women were recalled as a result of a previous inadequate smear.
Inadequate smears are tests that are not suitable for reporting for clinical or technical reasons. A proportion of inadequate smears is therefore unavoidable.