HC Deb 12 May 1969 vol 783 cc971-2
47. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now take action to increase the facilities within the National Health Service for operations under the Abortion Act, 1967, in view of the deficiencies of private nursing homes.

Mr. Crossman

The capacity of the private sector is not a relevant factor in deciding what should be provided through the National Health Service, except in so far as it may affect the demand for the services of the National Health Service.

Mrs. Short

Is the refusal of gynaecologists a factor? Is my right hon. Friend aware that I have sent him information about large numbers of women who have been refused help under the National Health Service in the London area and that I have another batch from the Midlands which I will be letting him have today? Will my right hon. Friend now face up to his responsibilities and see that National Health Service hospitals carry out their duties under the Act?

Mr. Crossman

I am always grateful to my hon. Friend for the help and information she provides. I have explained to her more than once that I am unhappy to observe the discrepancy which exists between the services provided by the National Health Service in, for example, the Birmingham area as well as in the Newcastle area. We must look at the provisions of the Act carefully and also take account of the clinical freedom of consultants. These matters are not quite as simple as my hon. Friend suggests.

Sir G. Nabarro

Since my hon. Friend the Member for Chelmsford (Mr. St. John-Stevas) has already given notice of an amending proposal to the main enactment, would not it be wise for the right hon. Gentleman to withhold making any further comments on this intricate matter—[Interruption.]—until the House has an opportunity again to debate the progress or otherwise of the main Statute—

Mrs. Short

Nonsense.

Sir G. Nabarro

—which should be before the Summer Recess?

Mr. Crossman

No, Sir. I do not think that the House need await an hon. Gentleman's proposed amendment before discussing the existing state of the law. The law is the law and, personally, I do not think that it would be wise for there to be an early amendment of the Act. We must watch the operation of the Act for a considerably longer time before deciding whether or not it needs amending.