HC Deb 04 December 1961 vol 650 cc922-3
39. Mr. Ridley

asked the Minister of Health whether birth control pills can be prescribed under the National Health Service.

Mr. Powell

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Ridley

Can my right hon. Friend confirm or deny that these pills can cost up to 17s. a month if prescribed? In view of this, will the Minister not lay down and publish very careful instructions as to when they may be used, since the prescribing of these pills could cost a lot of money if not controlled on medical grounds?

Mr. Powell

It is not for me to indicate to doctors what they should decide, for medical reasons, to prescribe for their patients.

Mr. Lipton

Is it left to the doctor to decide whether these pills shall be prescribed both for married and single women?

Mr. Powell

It is always for the individual doctor to decide in each case what are the medical requirements.