§ 11. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services in which year, on current trends, the population of the United Kingdom will begin to fall; and in which year it will fall below replacement rate.
§ Sir K. JosephI am advised by the Registrar-General that both current numbers of births and recent evidence about future intentions on family size indicate fertility levels above replacement rate. On this basis, projections of the size of the population show an upward trend over the medium and longer term.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonHas not the birth rate already begun to decline? Confessing some interest in the matter as one who may be called the anti-social father of six, may I ask my right hon. Friend for an assurance that his Department will not lend itself to the fashionable death-wish propaganda against the family of more than two children, and also that such families will not be discriminated against in the future through withholding social benefits?
§ Sir K. JosephMy hon. Friend and I are together responsible for no fewer than 10 children, but questions on population policy are for my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council.
§ Dr. SummerskillWill the right hon. Gentleman take this opportunity to tell the House what stage has been reached in the Government's review of the family planning services? In view of the proposed reorganisation and integration of the National Health Service, will he make a statement about the rôle which the family planning services will play in the overall structure?
§ Sir K. JosephI hope to be in a position to make a statement on the review of the family planning services later this year.
§ Mr. StokesIs my right hon. Friend not aware that the best form of population control which this country requires and wants is strict control of immigration?
§ Sir K. JosephI must repeat that all questions on such subjects are not for me.
§ Mr. PardoeI recognise that responsibility for population policy is not within the right hon. Gentleman's orbit, but may I ask whether his Department has carried out any investigation into what would be the likely effect on the size of families if we were to limit family and tax allowances to the first two or three children.
§ Sir K. JosephNo such inquiries have been made.