HC Deb 11 April 1972 vol 834 cc1004-6
4. Mr. Money

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied that the terms of the Abortion Act, 1967, legalising abortion only if a continued pregnancy would endanger a woman's life or harm her physical or mental condition or that of her existing children to a greater extent than if there were an abortion, are being generally carried out; and if he will make a statement.

Sir K. Joseph

The Government look for an answer to this Question from the Lane Committee on the Working of the Abortion Act whose report we expect in the first part of next year.

Mr. Money

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind, while awaiting the Lane Report, the deep public concern that exists within the lay and medical services over this matter, and will he pay particular regard to the views expressed by the working party of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists about the urgent need for a review?

Sir K. Joseph

Yes, and I am always ready to consider evidence and to invite people to put evidence before the Lane Committee. However, I can do no more than be very careful about approvals given to approved private places.

Mr. David Steel

May we be assured that, pending the publication of the Lane Report, to which we look forward with considerable interest, the right hon. Gentleman will extend his control over private clinics and will in particular pursue those which, having been put out of business in Langham Street, are apparently continuing their business elsewhere?

Sir K. Joseph

I am keeping an extremely watchful eye on any private clinics about which allegations are made, but I have no reason to fear that my observations are inadequate at the moment.

Mr. Crawshaw

Irrespective of whether the terms of the Act should be restricted or extended, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that many women in some parts of the country, particularly in the Liverpool area, even when they come within the terms of the Act, are unable to get bed facilities in their areas and have to travel to London? Will he find out why facilities are not available in these areas?

Sir K. Joseph

I must await the Lane Committee and its judgment on the scale of facilities available. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will see that the points which he makes are put to the Lane Committee.