HC Deb 13 April 1970 vol 799 cc1002-3
12. Mrs. Renée Short

asked 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 Dunwoody

I 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. Short

Is 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 women? Will he hasten his inquiry and give us a reply as soon as possible—a favourable one, I hope?

Dr. Dunwoody

I 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-Davison

What 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. Dunwoody

To my knowledge, there have been no objections on these grounds.