§ 12. Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now permit the operation of vasectomy to be freely available under the National Health Service as a safe means of contraception.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyI am at present unable to add to my reply to my hon. Friend of 29th January. When our consultations with the medical profession are complete I will write to my hon. Friend.—[Vol. 794, c. 398.]
§ Mrs. ShortIs my hon. Friend aware that the very progressive Family Planning Association in the West Midlands is running a clinic in West Bromwich where nine cases of this kind are dealt with every week on an out-patient basis? Is he further aware that this is much simpler and less expensive than sterilizing 1003 women? Will he hasten his inquiry and give us a reply as soon as possible—a favourable one, I hope?
§ Dr. DunwoodyI know of the clinic in West Bromwich. I agree with much that my hon. Friends says. My concern is that we should, if possible, make this provision within the limits of the National Health Service. I hope to be able to make a definitive answer to the House in the fairly near future.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonWhat representations have been received from people who have conscientious objections to their rates and taxes being used in this way, and what reply has been made to such representations?
§ Dr. DunwoodyTo my knowledge, there have been no objections on these grounds.