HC Deb 11 April 1972 vol 834 cc1014-5
16. Mr. David Clark

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will introduce legislation to prohibit general practitioners operating within the National Health Service from charging for the issuing of prescriptions for contraceptive pills.

Sir K. Joseph

I am not yet ready to add to my reply to the hon. Member on 22nd February.—[Vol. 831, c. 245.]

Mr. Clark

It is ridiculous that when people for financial, moral and other reasons wish to make use of the contraceptive that not only do they have to pay the prescription charge but in many cases doctors actually charge for writing out the prescription. Is this not a ridiculous situation when there is a great deal of discussion about population policy and so on?

Sir K. Joseph

This is one of the facts of the position which I am taking into account in the present review.