asked the Minister of Health (1) if, in view of the fact that the routine cervical cancer screening service in Lutterworth and district operated by the Family Planning Clinic is already booked up until November, he will take immediate steps to make alternative facilities available;(2) if he will have provided for use in southern Leicestershire a mobile examination unit for the regular taking of smears as part of a routine cervical cancer screening service in that area.

Now that the hospital laboratories have sufficient staff to examine a larger number of smears, the extension of routine screening is being considered by representatives of the local health authority, the local medical committee and the hospital service. As I have already informed the hon. Member in correspondence, there is no advantage in a mobile unit.