HC Deb 16 July 1968 vol 768 c1236
3. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Minister of Health whether on the basis of the reports he has now received from local authorities, he is satisfied with their response to the Family Planning Act; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. K. Robinson

My impression from these reports is that authorities are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of family planning as a preventive health measure and that they have generally made a good beginning on what must necessarily be a long-term development.

Mrs. Short

Is my right hon. Friend aware that nearly 80 authorities have done nothing at all about implementing this Act and that more and more women are getting more and more angry that this service is being denied them after being granted by decision of this House? Will my right hon. Friend look at this again and see what can be done?

Mr. Robinson

Out of a possible total of 204, 160 local health authorities and authorities with delegated health powers have sent in reports. Of these, 80 per cent. report some expansion as a result of the 1967 Act.

Sir G. Nabarro

Would the right hon. Gentleman dissociate himself absolutely from the outrageous statement of the right hon. Member for Sowerby (Mr. Houghton) about the size of families?

Mr. Robinson

My right hon. Friend is perfectly capable of defending himself.