102.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the Northern regional health authority with regard to the incidence of cervical cancer; and if he will make a statement.
The incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer varies considerably geographically and within various groups within the population. The main strategy for dealing with the disease is through a programme of early detection based on population screening programmes. I understand from the Northern regional health authority that it is well within target in covering its population through a comprehensive screening programme.
109.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what change there has been in the number of deaths from cervical cancer between 1978 and 1988; and if he will make a statement.
The information is shown in the table:
| Deaths from cancer of the cervix in England and Wales for the years 1978 to 1988 | |
| Year | Deaths |
| 1978 | 2,153 |
| 1979 | 2,087 |
| 1980 | 2,068 |
| 1981 | 2,017 |
| 1982 | 1,932 |
| 1983 | 1,959 |
| 1984 | 1,899 |
| 1985 | 1,957 |
| 1986 | 2,004 |
| 1987 | 1,903 |
| 1988 | 1,942 |