§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of breast screening sites are providing screening for women aged 65–70 years; and if he will make a statement. [170975]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonAs at 31 March 2004, 44 per cent., of the 81 local breast screening programmes in England had begun inviting women aged 65–70 for breast screening. All local programmes are on track to begin inviting the older women by the target date of December 2004. Since the age extension began in April 2001, over 200,000 more women have been invited for breast screening. 400,000 more women a year will be invited once the extension is fully implemented.