HC Deb 06 August 1924 vol 176 cc2908-9
32. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Minister of Health if new legislation is necessary before local authorities could be authorised to give information concerning birth control at maternity centres?

Mr. WHEATLEY

The question whether further legislation would be required is not free from doubt, but in any case, as I have already informed the hon. Member, I am not prepared to sanction the use of maternity centres for so controversial a purpose without the express directions by Parliament.

Mr. THURTLE

Is it the view of the right hon. Gentleman that he now has executive power to grant this permission if he so wishes?

Mr. WHEATLEY

I am not quite sure whether I have, but even if I had I would not introduce such a revolutionary change.

Mr. W. THORNE

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any reason to explain why the families of the poor working-classes are larger than those of the wealthy classes?