asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the difficulty which health boards have in acquiring kits for cervical smear tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Cervical Smear Tests.
30.
I am aware that there were difficulties with regard to the acquisition of kits for cervical smear tests. These difficulties arose because of the problem in dealing with the backlog of cervical smears at St. Luke's Hospital. However, I have provided additional resources and equipment to St. Luke's Hospital to enable the backlog to be cleared. Cytology kits are now made available by St. Luke's Hospital on request from the health boards.
Question No. 31 re-entered for oral reply.