HC Deb 14 May 1962 vol 659 cc910-1
15. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Health, if, in view of the high rate of induced abortion among married women and the large numbers of unwanted children coming into public care, he will urge local health authorities to inform mothers, through the medium of health visitors and by any other means, of the availability of family planning services.

Mr. Powell

No, Sir.

Mr. Robinson

Is it not a ridiculous position that even where family planning clinics already exist in local authority premises, it is forbidden to advertise them or publicise them in any way? Is it not time that the Minister ceased to be intimidated by a religious minority from adopting a rational policy to what is a most valuable and necessary health service?

Mr. Powell

I am not intimidated by anybody and I do not accept that the existence of these facilities and their availability is not well known, or that doctors, where they consider pregnancy to be undesirable on medical grounds, do not refer their patients for the necessary advice.